Attacks on healthcare facilities put lives at risk in Sudan: report
March 18, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – Attacks on healthcare institutions and staff in Sudan have markedly increased since the eruption of war in mid-April 2023, costing many precious lives and valuable hospitals, a paper on health and conflict noted.
The paper, entitled, implications of the Sudan war on healthcare workers and facilities: a health system tragedy, noted that 60 attacks on health facilities have been reported so far, many occupied by one or the other sides of the conflict.
This paper provides an overview of the assaults by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces on healthcare facilities and personnel from the onset of the armed conflict in mid-April to mid-December 2023.
Since the conflict began between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in mid-April 2023, approximately 6.6 million individuals have reportedly been forced to leave their homes within and outside of Sudan.
The death toll has surpassed 12,190 since the fighting erupted, aid agencies say.
Over 200 violations against medical staff were recorded all over the country, which led to the death of 38 healthcare workers. Killing, kidnapping, and assaulting doctors, consequently led to a huge shortage in staff in the few barely working facilities, as the remaining health workers were concerned of their safety.
Last year, there were numerous instances of armed conflicts across the globe, healthcare facilities are often targeted in armed conflicts, particularly in urban areas, leading to further destruction of the healthcare system and the hospitals.
For instance, six months after the start of the conflict in Khartoum, the World Health Organization (WHO) said 70% of hospitals and medical centers were out of service and 20% of medical institutions far from engagement areas severely affected.
According to the WHO, by October 31, 2023, 60 attacks on healthcare facilities had been verified in the conflict areas, leading to the death of at least 34 people.
Also noted are reports of ambulances being targeted by fighters in the conflict.
On August 14, 2023, for instance, six ambulances were reportedly attacked by the military forces, thus preventing the transportation of patients in Khartoum.
Additionally, the Sudanese military reportedly bombed the Doctors Hospital in Khartoum, resulting in the destruction of the building and its medical equipment.
Since the beginning of the ongoing armed conflict, at least 222 assaults on the healthcare system reportedly occurred in Sudan from January to October, 2023.
These attacks on the healthcare system, the paper stated, resulted in the deaths of 38 healthcare workers and the damage of health facilities at least 49 times.
These incidents have significantly hindered healthcare providers’ capacity to adequately serve patients, maintain sufficient staffing levels, and have also affected the public’s access to healthcare, according to the newly issued paper.
Meanwhile the paper called for adherence to international humanitarian laws to protect civilians and infrastructure, adding that International health organizations’ rule is crucial in restoring and sustaining vital healthcare services, including supplying necessary resources to healthcare facilities, providing treatment for infectious and chronic diseases, and resuming routine health programs.
It called for ceasefire, restoring and resuming healthcare services, and insurance of a safe working environment, adding that international collaboration and sufficient financial support are crucial to restore the healthcare system in Sudan.
(ST)