Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), condemned a recent attack on the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, describing it as “shocking and appalling.” The attack has resulted in multiple casualties, including the death of pharmacist Amna Ahmed Bakhit. Dr. Tedros emphasized that the hospital is critical as it is the only one in El Fasher providing maternal and child healthcare and called for an immediate ceasefire to safeguard patients and healthcare workers. Dr. Tedros expressed condolences to the families of the victims and highlighted the ongoing dedication of the hospital staff despite the dire circumstances.
The call for a ceasefire echoes similar demands from the United Nations Security Council, which just last month adopted a resolution urging an end to the fighting and the protection of civilians. However, violence persists unabated in the region, including repeated attacks on medical facilities.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, labeled the situation a “human tragedy,” emphasizing the critical need for safety for healthcare workers who continue to provide essential services amidst the violence. Her sentiments were reiterated by Doctors Without Borders, which raised alarms about the detrimental impact of the ongoing conflict on humanitarian aid delivery.
In light of these events, international organizations are calling for immediate action to end the violence and ensure the protection of civilians and healthcare workers in accordance with international humanitarian law. Further information can be found in the original article by JURIST.