As fighting continues in Khartoum as well as parts of Sudan, the World Health Organization asks all parties to the conflict to maintain the neutrality of health care and guarantee that anyone injured by the hostilities have unhindered access to health facilities. This call comes as combat continues in Khartoum and other areas of Sudan.
The World Health Organization is reminding all sides of their responsibilities under international humanitarian law to protect those who are injured and sick, as well as civilians, medical personnel, ambulance drivers, and medical institutions.
Since the 13th of April, more than 83 people have been killed and more than 1126 people have been injured across Khartoum, South Kordofan, North Darfur, Northern State, and other locations, with the city of Khartoum being the location of the most intense concentration of fighting at the moment.
Because of the instability in the city, movement is restricted, which makes it difficult for medical professionals, nurses, patients, and ambulances to get to health facilities. This places the lives of people who require immediate medical attention in jeopardy.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring the health requirements and resources across Khartoum and the other cities that have been affected to ensure that the limited supplies are sent to the areas that require them the most. Many of the nine hospitals in Khartoum that are treating injured civilians are reporting shortages of blood, transfusion equipment, intravenous fluids, medical supplies, and other life-saving commodities.
These shortages are the result of supplies that were distributed by the WHO to health facilities prior to the recent escalation of conflict. There are also rumors floating around about shortages of specialists in the medical field, such as anesthesiologists. A lack of fuel for hospital generators is also being reported, in addition to water and power outages, which are having a negative impact on the functionality of healthcare institutions.
WHO is continuing to engage with partners and health authorities to remedy gaps in the provision of health care, particularly for trauma care, while also protecting the safety of our own staff members and their families as the situation continues to develop.
