WHO, UNICEF Condemn Surge in Attacks on Health Facilities in Sudan
WHO, UNICEF Condemn Surge in Attacks on Health Facilities in Sudan
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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have raised alarm over a sharp increase in attacks on hospitals and health care facilities in Sudan, calling for urgent measures to protect health workers and civilians.
On April 2, Al Jabalayn Teaching Hospital in southwest Kosti, White Nile State, was struck in a violent attack that killed ten health workers, including the hospital’s medical director, and injured 22 others. The hospital’s emergency room and operating theatre were completely destroyed.
This assault follows a series of recent attacks, including one on Kurmuk Teaching Hospital in Blue Nile State on March 24, an attack on a medical supplies warehouse in Rabak on April 1, and assaults at Al Daein Al Usra Hospital, all of which damaged critical infrastructure and endangered health personnel.
Since the start of the conflict in Sudan three years ago, WHO has verified 214 attacks on health care, resulting in 2,042 deaths and 785 injuries. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 13 attacks were confirmed, killing 184 people and injuring 295.
WHO and UNICEF urged all parties to the conflict to protect health facilities, health workers, and patients, and to ensure unhindered access to essential services, highlighting that such attacks exacerbate an already severe humanitarian crisis.
The organizations reaffirmed that attacks on health care violate international humanitarian law and demand immediate action to safeguard civilians, health workers, and humanitarian operations throughout Sudan.
