15 Million in Sudan desperately need health aid, WHO reports

CAIRO - 30 July 2024: The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep shock and outrage at the escalating attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan. Despite the urgent need for medical assistance, with approximately 15 million people requiring immediate healthcare to survive, the WHO has verified 22 attacks on healthcare facilities in the past eight weeks alone.

The organization emphasizes that attacks on healthcare constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law. The people of Sudan are already facing severe restrictions on accessing healthcare due to the ongoing conflict that has been raging for over a year.

Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, the WHO has verified 88 attacks on the healthcare system, including attacks on health facilities, ambulances, transport, assets, patients, and health workers. These attacks have resulted in 55 deaths and 104 injuries.

The 22 attacks that have occurred since June 1, 2024, alone have led to the deaths of 16 health workers and patients, including children, and injuries to 56 people.

The WHO asserts that hospitals, health facilities, ambulances, and other health assets are lifelines for the Sudanese people, who are suffering immensely due to the ongoing conflict and repeated displacement.

Despite the extremely challenging conditions, healthcare workers in Sudan continue to provide lifesaving care, driven by their deep commitment to serving millions in need. However, their dedication and perseverance are met with shelling, harassment, intimidation, injury, and death.

It is imperative that healthcare workers be protected and not be forced to risk their lives or limbs while trying to save others. Patients should also not be at risk of dying while seeking medical care.

The WHO warns that the health system in Sudan is on the brink of collapse, ravaged by the impacts of war, displacement, disease outbreaks, severe shortages of medical supplies, and a lack of funding. Despite these dire circumstances, the health system continues to operate, relying on the support of health partners and the dedication of healthcare workers who risk their lives daily to help others.

Less than 25% of health facilities are still functioning in the Sudanese states most affected by the war, and only 45% of these facilities are operating at full capacity in other states. Sudanese people are struggling to access the lifesaving care they need, with half of the population—24.8 million people—requiring humanitarian assistance.

Approximately 15 million people are in urgent need of healthcare to survive, and attacks on healthcare facilities deny these individuals lifesaving care, including over 10.6 million internally displaced persons.

The WHO emphasizes that international humanitarian law mandates the protection of healthcare, health assets, healthcare workers, and patients, even in times of war. Therefore, the organization calls for the protection of all healthcare workers, patients, and health facilities at all times.

Ultimately, peace remains a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring the health of the Sudanese people and rebuilding the country's health system.