The silent crisis and forgotten war: mental health in Sudan amidst war and displacement

The ongoing war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, has generated one of the most significant humanitarian crises globally, with nearly 13 million people displaced and over 30 million requiring humanitarian assistance. Although the physical destruction and mass displacement have been widely documented, the mental health consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, remain critically under-recognised and under-resourced. This paper situates the current conflict within Sudan’s political and health system history, examines the fragility of existing mental health infrastructure and reviews emerging population-level mental health needs. It further highlights ongoing emergency and community-led mental health responses and identifies priority gaps for coordinated, context-appropriate intervention.