Destruction of the World’s Only Mycetoma Research Center in Sudan: A Scientific and Humanitarian Loss

In a tragic reflection of the devastation caused by the ongoing war in Sudan, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the destruction of the world’s only research center dedicated to mycetoma, a neglected tropical disease. The center was located in Khartoum.

Established in 1991 under the auspices of the University of Khartoum, the Mycetoma Research Center served more than 12,000 patients annually—many from impoverished rural communities. It was not only a medical facility but also a symbol of scientific hope, having conducted the world’s first clinical trial for mycetoma treatment in 2019 with the support of WHO and the Sudanese government.

The destruction of the center resulted in the loss of over four decades’ worth of valuable biological data, representing a major setback in the global fight against mycetoma. The loss is particularly painful given that the disease primarily affects low-income populations and has historically received limited international attention.

Efforts are now underway to establish temporary alternative facilities in regions such as Kassala and Wad Onsa. However, these efforts are hampered by serious funding challenges, limiting their ability to match the original center’s capabilities.

The loss of this critical institution underscores the broader impact of armed conflict on scientific and health infrastructure. It highlights the urgent need to safeguard vital research and medical facilities during times of crisis.

Rebuilding the Mycetoma Research Center is not only a medical necessity—it is a humanitarian imperative to restore hope to thousands of patients who relied on its services for diagnosis, treatment, and the promise of a cure.