Sudan’s healthcare system on the brink as war rages On: MSF head speaks out
January 1, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan is grappling with a devastating healthcare crisis fueled by the ongoing conflict, leaving millions vulnerable to disease, malnutrition, and violence. In an interview with Sudan Tribune, Stephen Cornish, General Director of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), painted a grim picture of the situation and called for increased international support.
“The war in Sudan has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” Cornish stated. “The impact on physical and mental health is dramatic.” He highlighted the dire consequences of the conflict, including mass displacement, disease outbreaks, and the collapse of the healthcare system.
Cornish emphasized the heroic efforts of Sudanese humanitarian workers and local NGOs who are bearing the brunt of the crisis response. However, he lamented the inadequate response from the international community, particularly in Darfur. “This is particularly true in Darfur, where a massive scale-up of aid is required, yet aid and services are all too often absent,” he said.
MSF, one of the few organizations operating on both sides of the conflict, provides critical medical care across 11 states in Sudan. “We work or support more than 20 health facilities in the four states of Darfur,” Cornish explained. “They offer trauma care for war-wounded and non-war related injuries, maternal and paediatric care, sexual and reproductive care, also inpatient and emergency treatment for chronic diseases as well as primary healthcare services.” He added that MSF teams across Sudan also treat malnutrition, donate medicines and supplies, administer vaccines, and respond to disease outbreaks.
Despite their commitment, MSF faces immense challenges. Cornish reported over 80 violent incidents against MSF staff and facilities in 2024, including the recent targeting of medical staff at Bashaer Hospital. He condemned attacks on healthcare workers and facilities, stressing that “this is not just a humanitarian crisis; it is a profound failure to protect the most vulnerable.”
Bureaucratic hurdles and restrictions imposed by both warring parties are also hindering aid delivery. “Supplies need to be able to move across conflict lines,” Cornish urged, highlighting the difficulties in getting essential medicines and supplies to areas in desperate need.
Sexual violence a “persistent element” of the conflict
The interview also shed light on the alarming prevalence of sexual violence. “Sexual violence is a persistent element of the violence inflicted on the people in Sudan, compounding the threats already faced by civilians,” Cornish said. An MSF survey conducted between July and December 2023 in camps for Sudanese refugees in Chad revealed the horrifying extent of this violence. “Of 135 survivors of sexual violence treated by MSF teams, 90% were abused by armed perpetrators,” Cornish revealed. “Alarmingly, 50% were assaulted in their own homes, and 40% were raped by multiple attackers.” He stressed the urgent need for increased support services for survivors, which remain severely lacking.
Zamzam camp under attack
In Zamzam camp, recent shelling by the Rapid Support Forces has further exacerbated the suffering of displaced people. “Since December 1st, repeated shelling by Rapid Support Forces has added to the deadly threats hanging over the 450,000 displaced people living in Zamzam camp,” Cornish reported. “Over the past three weeks, MSF team has treated 44 injured people, including children as young as 4 years old suffering severe trauma… We also received 14 people who were dead upon arrival or succumbed shortly after due to their injuries. Local sources have reported at least 24 deaths in the camp directly linked to the shelling.”
Cornish condemned the violence, which has disrupted vital humanitarian aid and forced MSF to suspend activities at one of its clinics in the camp. “Nonetheless, MSF continues its efforts to keep providing lifesaving medical care in Zamzam camp,” he affirmed.
Cornish concluded the interview with a plea for all warring parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid. He urged the international community to increase its support and pressure the warring parties to end the violence and ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers.