Sudan War Destroys World’s Only Mycetoma Research Center

The Mycetoma Research Center (MRC) in Khartoum—the world’s sole facility dedicated to studying the debilitating tropical disease—has been destroyed in Sudan’s two-year civil war, its director confirmed, Arab News reported. The conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has left the center in ruins, with critical biological banks containing 40 years of research data lost.

Mycetoma, a neglected tropical disease caused by bacterial or fungal infections through skin cuts, leads to severe tissue damage, swollen limbs, and deformities. The MRC, established in 1991, treated 12,000 patients annually and hosted global training programs.

Dr. Ahmed Fahal, the center’s director, described the destruction as “difficult to bear,” emphasizing the setback for global health efforts. The WHO had previously collaborated with Sudan to combat mycetoma, which affects farmers and herders across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The war has displaced over 12 million people and crippled Sudan’s healthcare system. Experts warn the MRC’s loss will disproportionately impact vulnerable communities reliant on manual labor.