Partnership and domestic resource mobilization in Sudan for cVDPV2 outbreak response amidst multiple emergencies in 2020-2021

Abstract

Abstract Background: During 2020 and immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sudan was experiencing multiple emergencies including violence, seasonal flooding, and vector-borne disease outbreaks. After more than ten years since its last case of wild poliovirus, Sudan declared a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreak on 9 August 2020. Methods: cVDPV2 outbreak response data and programme documents of the Federal Ministry of Health and WHO were reviewed. Surveillance data was verified through WHO-recommended procedures for detecting and characterizing polioviruses from stool and sewage samples collected from AFP cases and the environment. Results: This outbreak in Sudan led to a total of 58 confirmed cases of cVDPV2 from 15 of the 18 states. Two nationwide vaccination campaigns were held to increase immunity of children under-five against poliovirus type 2. Funding challenges were overcome by intense additional resource mobilization from domestic resources and partnerships. The funding gap was bridged from domestic resources (49%) sourced through GPEI partners, and in-country humanitarian funding mechanisms. Conclusions: During an outbreak response and challenge of funding shortfall, mobilizing domestic resources is possible through coordinated approaches and systematic communication with in-country partners, disaggregation of needs, and diverse interventions. A cVDPV2 outbreak requires a fast, resourced, and quality response to stop virus circulation.