Mar 22, Kathmandu - The ongoing conflict in Sudan has seen a surge in attacks on healthcare infrastructure, with recent incidents highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an attack on a hospital in the western Darfur region resulted in at least 64 deaths. Among the deceased were 13 children, underscoring the grave human toll of the conflict.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that a recent attack on Al Deain Teaching Hospital in eastern Darfur last Friday injured a minimum of 89 people. The attack rendered the hospital completely non-operational, severely hampering the treatment of the wounded and patients.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in intense conflict. The nation is witnessing a widespread power struggle between the regular army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has evolved into a full-scale war. During this ongoing conflict, civilian infrastructure, especially healthcare facilities, has repeatedly become a target.

Both parties involved in the conflict have exchanged blame regarding the latest hospital attack. The Rapid Support Forces claimed that the attack originated from the army, while the military denied targeting the hospital. However, two military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the attack was directed at a nearby police station.

According to United Nations data, over 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict so far, with aid organizations warning that the actual toll could be much higher. The WHO reports that more than 2,000 lives have been lost due to attacks on health facilities since the conflict began.

In light of these developments, Tedros Ghebreyesus has called for an immediate reduction in violence in Sudan. He emphasized, “Enough blood has been shed, enough suffering endured. It is time to de-escalate the conflict,” urging the international community to pay serious attention and intervene.