In the last eight weeks alone, about 22 attacks were carried out on health care infrastructures in Sudan, a worrying trend that must be addressed to ensure civilians get the medical assistance needed to survive the ongoing war.
Development Diaries reports that about 55 people lost their lives while 104 people have sustained injuries as a result of recent attacks on health care facilities in the country, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
We understand that 88 attacks have been carried out on health care facilities since the war started in April 2023.
The 22 attacks carried out since 01 June have claimed 16 lives including health workers, patients, and children leaving 56 others injured.
Earlier, we reported the suspension of support services at the Turkish Hospital in Khartoum by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) due to the continuous attack on healthcare infrastructures by warring parties.
Half of the country’s population, 24.8 million people, needs humanitarian assistance and nearly 15 million people require urgent health assistance for their survival.
Hospitals, health facilities, ambulances and other health assets are a lifeline to Sudan’s people, who endure relentless fighting and frequent displacement due to the ongoing war.
The tenacity and dedication of health workers are rewarded with bombardment, harassment, intimidation, injury and death.
Sudan’s health system is already at a stage where it needs immediate support and assistance.
The war, displacement, disease outbreaks, severe shortages of medical supplies, and a shortage of cash to run operations and pay salaries are straining the sector and bringing it to its knees.
The health system remains functional through the support of health partners and the dedication of health workers who risk their lives daily to help others. They deserve to be guaranteed safety while they go on saving lives.
Development Diaries reiterates its call that all parties to the conflict, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, stop the attack on health care facilities and health care workers as enshrined in the international humanitarian law.
Source: WHO
Photo source: WHO
