Attack on El Fasher Hospital Leaves 70 Dead, WHO Demands End to Violence
The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the attack on a hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, which killed at least 70 people. The attack, which occurred on Friday, targeted the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital, the only functional hospital in the city.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the attack on social media, stating that the hospital was "packed with patients receiving care" at the time. He also highlighted the critical role the hospital plays in providing essential healthcare services, including gynecology, obstetrics, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and a nutrition stabilization center.
Ghebreyesus called for an immediate cessation of all attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan and demanded full access for the swift restoration of damaged facilities. He emphasized that the people of Sudan need peace above all, stating that "the best medicine is peace."
The attack comes amidst ongoing conflict in Sudan, where the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been at war since April 2023. The conflict has led to millions of refugees fleeing to neighboring countries and has left over 24 million people facing acute food insecurity.
Local officials have blamed the RSF for the hospital attack. The RSF has not yet acknowledged the attack.
The attack on the hospital has further exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in El Fasher. According to the UN, 80% of healthcare facilities in the area have been forced out of service. Famine has already gripped three displacement camps and is expected to spread to five more locations, including El Fasher itself, by May.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called for the international community to not forget the suffering in Sudan amidst other global conflicts. He highlighted the stories of women refugees who have endured unimaginable horrors and pleaded for the world to take action to stop the senseless killing and death.
12 Comments
Marishka
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is right. We must not forget the suffering in Sudan.
Pupsik
Disgusted by the lack of humanity shown by the attackers. They have no respect for human life. 😠
Marishka
Sending condolences to the families of the victims. May they find some solace in these dark times. 😢
Pupsik
Let's keep raising awareness about the situation in Sudan and urge our leaders to take action.
Marishka
The stories of the women refugees are heartbreaking. We must do everything we can to help them.
Eugene Alta
My heart goes out to the medical staff who continue to work tirelessly despite the dangers they face.
BuggaBoom
This is absolutely atrocious! Killing innocent people at a hospital is beyond inhumane. Those responsible must be brought to justice. 🤬
Katchuka
This is just one example of the many horrors happening in Sudan. We cannot turn a blind eye to this ongoing crisis.
KittyKat
We must stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and demand an end to the violence.
Noir Black
Deeply saddened by the attack on El Fasher Hospital. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. 🙏
Loubianka
This attack shows the true cost of war. It's time to bring peace to Sudan and stop the bloodshed.
Katchuka
This is a wake-up call for the world. We must act now to prevent further tragedies like this.