The Sudanese Aflatoxin Research and Control Network (SAfNet), spearheaded by Prof. Suad M. Sulaiman of the Sudanese National Academy of Sciences (SNAS), addresses the critical issue of aflatoxin contamination in Sudan. Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus fungi in warm, humid conditions, pose severe health risks, including liver cancer, and economically impact Sudan’s key crops like groundnuts and sesame. The SNAS plan includes creating a Sudanese Aflatoxin Think-Tank, developing a Sudanese Aflatoxin Network (SAfNet), establishing an active database portal, and implementing continuous educational programs. These initiatives aim to improve agricultural practices, enhance surveillance and testing, foster research collaboration, raise public awareness, and develop a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to reduce aflatoxin contamination and ensure safe food production in Sudan.

Outlines of the presentation:
– Introduction to aflatoxins, risks & difficulties to manage
– Favourable conditions for aflatoxin formation
– Groundnuts & sesame cultivation in Sudan
– Studies on aflatoxins in Sudan:
– Sudanese National Academy of Sciences (SNAS) plan:
a: Sudanese Aflatoxin Think-Tank
b: Sudanese Aflatoxin Network (SAfNet)
c: An active database (portal) system,
d: Intensive and continuous educational programs
e: The primary objectives of the multi-disciplinary network