Healthcare provider accuses RSF of attacking staff in El Fasher
July 3, 2024 (EL FASHER) – The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) said attacks on one of its healthcare clinics in Sudan occurred this week, with several staff and volunteers from its member association in the country either injured or killed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. We are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries.
In a statement on its website, the health provider said its clinic in the North Darfur capital, El Fasher has been destroyed, meaning there is one less option for women and girls to receive lifesaving sexual and reproductive healthcare in the region.
For over a month, ongoing battles around El Fasher have been taking place. The RSF have reportedly been indiscriminately shelling military and civilian targets.
A number of incidences are mentioned, with one being the death of Mahasen Abdul Jabbar, a volunteer linked to Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA).
He was killed after being hit by a gunshot at the clinic while Dr Daifallah Mohammed, a volunteer family medicine specialist died as a result of the war
One of the nurses, it said, was hit with shrapnel and has been transferred to hospital in a critical condition and all contact with her has reportedly been lost.
The RSF has also been kidnapping patients, but their whereabouts unknown.
“We are devastated to learn of another attack on one of our clinics in Sudan, and the injuries and loss of lives to our staff and volunteers. Healthcare facilities, and most importantly, healthcare workers, must never be the target of war,” Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, the Deputy Director of IPPF, said.
“The sexual and reproductive health and lives of 800,000 people in North Darfur – including women, children, and people with disabilities – are hanging in the balance as bombing and shelling cause widespread harm to civilians and severely disrupt the essential health services they very much depend on,” he added.
Previous attacks also occurred in which health facilities were destroyed in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum and El Fashir between 7-9 September 2023.
There also reports that women and girls in Sudan are facing an upsurge in sexual and conflict-related violence, with the health provider saying its staff witnessed firsthand the impact of this heinous crime on the most vulnerable people, including women, girls and other marginalized groups.
“We unequivocally condemn all violence against civilians, especially against health centers that are attacked while providing essential services to those in need. Such acts are an affront to humanity and the sanctity of care,” Fadoua Bakhadda, Regional Director, Arab World Region, said.
Previously, reports showed rape victims and survivors are struggling to obtain contraception, abortion medication and post-exposure anti-viral medications. They reportedly face severe and life-threatening consequences, including loss of family support and homes and shelters and increased risk of suicide. Survivors are afraid to seek medical treatment because of the stigma and fear of reprisals from rape.
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