Sudan conflict leaves health system in near collapse: report
October 4, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s health system is disintegrating under the weight of the fighting raging in the country since mid-April amid threats of possible collapse should the war that has displaced millions continue, warns new report.
Titled, Destruction, disruption and disaster: Sudan’s health system amidst armed conflict, the report extensively examines the destruction, disruption as well as the disastrous consequences inflicted upon Sudan’s health system.
According to the article, the ongoing conflict has led to the severe compromise of healthcare facilities, with only a third of hospitals in conflict zones operational.
Artillery attacks, forced militarization, power outages, and shortages of medical supplies and personnel have further crippled the health system, it stressed, adding that exodus of health workers and escalating violence have worsened the crisis.
“Disrupted service delivery has resulted in the interruption of essential health services, including obstetric care, emergency services, and dialysis,” it stated.
Also highlighted is the notion that financial losses to the health system are estimated at $700 million and is now impacting an already underfunded sector.
Concerns have been raised on destruction of the health infrastructure in Sudan.
“As of 23rd July, less than one third of hospitals in conflict zones are functional, with 70% of hospitals out of service. Of the 59 hospitals out of service in conflict zones, 17 were attacked by artillery and 20 were evacuated, of which 12 have been forcibly militarized and converted into barracks by the RSF [Rapid Support Forces],” the noted.
Escalation of violence against health workers is also mention in the report, with 13 health workers killed, four abducted by militia and nine are reportedly missing.
These attacks against health workers were condemned by the Sudanese Doctors Syndicate, describing it as a violation of the Geneva Convention, among others.
The conflict in Sudan, according to the report, has also disrupted service delivery.
“Anecdotal evidence collected by the authors points to the disruption of key life-saving health services, obstetric and newborn care, emergency care for trauma or medical emergencies, dialysis, cancer care etc,” it said.
Similarly, access to health services has been severely interrupted for the 968,000 Sudanese refugees crossing borders to Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, Central African Republic and Libya, stressed.
“More than 3,200,000 people are newly internally displaced across Sudan, overwhelming the health systems in respective states,” it added.
The report, however, says despite efforts to provide health services for displaced persons and refugees, the need for health services is disproportionately higher.
Calls were made for immediate ceasefire, creation of conduits for humanitarian access and mobilization of urgent funds, lifesaving aid and essential medicines.
“Provision of free health services to fleeing refugees and vulnerable displaced persons must be availed by host states,” it stipulates.
The international community of experts and researchers were urged to convene, interrogate, derive evidence and support the reconstruction and strengthening of the now “failing” health system in Sudan.
(ST)