Drone Attack on Sudan's Darfur Darfur: WHO Boss Says At Least 70 Dead in Hospital Attack

The World Health Organization has said that a drone attack struck a hospital in the war-torn Sudanese city of El Fasher, killing at least 70 people. The attack hit the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital and brought into sharp focus the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's Darfur region.

The Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital was the only functioning health facility in El Fasher and was "packed with patients receiving care" when it was attacked on Friday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on social media.

This is a very important hospital that played a major role within the community for basic medical services such as gynecology, obstetrics, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics, and also has a nutrition stabilization center in cases of nutritional deficiencies among regional inhabitants.

Dr. Tedros condemned the attack, citing the devastating impact such an act will have on the already strained health system: "The attack comes at a time when access to health care is already severely constrained in the state due to the closure of health facilities following intense bombardments," he said.

These actions have become the trend of the day in the region, as another health facility in Al Malha, North Darfur, was also attacked in the wake of a healthcare service suspension.

Call for Peace and Accountability

Dr. Tedros called for an immediate cessation of attacks on health in Sudan, allowing unconditional access to enable the rebuilding of wrecked medical facilities. He sent an emotional appeal: "Above all, Sudan's people need peace. The best medicine is peace."

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan where over 24 million people - half the country's population - are facing acute food insecurity because of the destruction of vital infrastructure like hospitals has also been compounded. Millions have fled the violence to seek refuge in neighboring countries like Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

Causes of Conflict

The war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023. A conflict broke out over a difference in opinion on the issue of integrating RSF into the national army, which is one of the major provisions of a power-sharing deal to transition Sudan to civilian rule.

According to the Associated Press, local officials have blamed an attack targeting a hospital in El Fasher on the RSF. This comes days after a warning by a United Nations official, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, who said that the RSF had issued an ultimatum-48 hours-for the forces allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces to leave the city, which was a precursor to the offensive.

International Outcry and Humanitarian Crisis

The attack has been condemned worldwide by international organizations and humanitarian agencies. Targeting health facilities is a violation of international humanitarian law, adding to the agony of the civilians in Sudan.

As the conflict escalates, the need for international intervention becomes increasingly urgent. Humanitarian access must be prioritized to provide aid to the millions affected by the conflict.

The Road Ahead

The Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital was just another grim reminder that the true cost of war comes in innocent civilian lives lost, denied immediate vital medical attention among vulnerable populations, and pushing the desperate into deeper crisis.

While international organizations like the WHO will continue to advocate for peace and provide aid, the bottom line for the ultimate resolution lies with the cessation of hostilities and a call for a sustainable framework for peace in Sudan. It is only then that the nation can start rebuilding and healing from the scars of the war.

The world is watching in hope that the leaders of Sudan and the international community will take swift action to bring this terrible war to an end, restoring peace and dignity to a people who have suffered far too long.