WHO Reports 64 Fatalities, Including 13 Children, in Sudan Hospital Attack

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An attack on al-Daein Teaching Hospital in Sudan’s East Darfur state has resulted in the deaths of at least 64 individuals, including 13 children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The incident occurred on Friday night and has rendered the hospital non-functional, significantly impacting medical services in the area. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that among the deceased were multiple patients, two female nurses, and one male doctor.

In addition to the fatalities, the attack left 89 people injured, including eight healthcare staff members. The assault caused extensive damage to the hospital’s pediatric, maternity, and emergency departments, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis in the region. The WHO has documented that the total number of fatalities linked to attacks on health facilities during the ongoing conflict in Sudan has now surpassed 2,000.

The conflict, which began in mid-April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to widespread violence and humanitarian crises. The RSF has a strong presence in the Darfur region, while the Sudanese army controls other parts of the country. Both factions have faced accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, with the RSF being implicated in severe atrocities in Darfur.

The WHO’s Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care reported that the recent strike involved heavy weaponry and affected not only the hospital but also medical supplies and storage. The frequency and severity of attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan have escalated, with the WHO noting a troubling trend in the increasing number of casualties from such incidents.

UN officials have condemned the attack, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation and protection of civilians and healthcare workers. Tedros highlighted the devastating impact of these attacks on communities already in dire need of medical services, calling for peace and an end to the violence that has claimed so many lives.