According to the reports on Monday (27 January), the World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, strongly condemned the attack on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, which resulted in 70 deaths and 19 injuries. In a statement shared on X, Ghebreyesus emphasized the devastating impact of the attack on healthcare services, especially as the hospital was the only functional facility in the region, providing critical medical services such as obstetrics, surgery, and pediatrics.
Ghebreyesus highlighted the broader challenges facing Sudan’s healthcare system, including the closure of many health facilities due to ongoing conflict and bombardments. Another health facility, the MADO Health Facility in Al Malha, was also attacked, further restricting access to primary care for residents and displaced persons. The WHO reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of violence targeting healthcare institutions and the restoration of damaged facilities.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law and humanitarian principles. The ministry expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families while urging the protection of healthcare workers and civilians. It stressed the importance of adhering to the Jeddah Declaration of May 2023, which commits to safeguarding civilians during the conflict.
Both the WHO and Saudi Arabia have called for urgent action to halt attacks on healthcare services in Sudan, emphasizing that such violence worsens the already dire humanitarian crisis. Ghebreyesus underscored that peace is the ultimate solution, describing it as “the best medicine” for the people of Sudan.
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