The World Health Organization warns: Sudan's health system is collapsing and a humanitarian catastrophe is imminent
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent and strongly worded warning about the catastrophic state of the health sector in Sudan, asserting that repeated and systematic attacks on health facilities are pushing the country's health system to the brink of total collapse. This warning comes as the country continues to experience armed conflict, which has led to an unprecedented deterioration in humanitarian and living conditions.
Shocking figures reflect the scale of the disaster
In a recent report, the organization revealed shocking statistics reflecting the depth of the tragedy, stating that more than 33.7 million people are in dire need of urgent humanitarian assistance to survive. Moreover, the ongoing war has forced some 13.6 million people to flee their homes, seeking refuge both within the country and abroad, creating one of the world's largest displacement crises.
Direct targeting of medical facilities
The World Health Organization has documented at least 205 confirmed attacks targeting health facilities, ambulances, and medical personnel since the conflict began. These attacks have not only destroyed infrastructure but have also put dozens of hospitals out of service, depriving millions of citizens of their basic right to healthcare, particularly those with chronic illnesses and emergency cases.
Background of the conflict and its impact on infrastructure
Since the outbreak of conflict in mid-April 2023, Sudan has suffered widespread destruction of its infrastructure, but the health sector has been the weakest and most severely affected. Even before the war, the health system was fragile, and the military operations finished off what little remained. Constant power outages, fuel shortages for hospital generators, and a lack of vital medicines have all combined to create a dire health situation.
Risks of epidemic spread and regional repercussions
The risks extend beyond direct injuries from bombing and clashes to include outbreaks of epidemics and infectious diseases. With the collapse of sanitation systems and the scarcity of clean water, Sudan faces the threat of cholera, dengue fever, malaria, and acute malnutrition among children. This situation poses a threat not only to Sudan itself but also to neighboring countries hosting millions of refugees, presenting the entire region with a complex health and humanitarian challenge.
International calls to salvage what can be salvaged
In closing, the organization reiterated its call to the international community to protect the health sector, which it considers a red line that must not be crossed under international humanitarian law. It also demanded an immediate increase in humanitarian funding to address the enormous gap in needs, and urgent and serious efforts to achieve peace and a ceasefire, enabling medical teams to reach those affected and save lives before it is too late.
