WHO: Health Situation in Sudan Itself Has Reached Gravely Serious Levels

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that conflict in Sudan has caused unspeakable suffering to 3.4 million people.

According to WHO, cases of infectious diseases and other illnesses have been reported among displaced populations who have sought shelter in hard-to-reach locations, where health services are limited.

Speaking during a virtual press conference, Nima Saeed Abid, WHO Representative in Sudan, said: “The scale of the health crisis is enormous. We are working hard to step up our response, delivering critical medical and other emergency health supplies.”

In June, WHO issued an emergency appeal for $145 million to support its operations, which is only around 10 per cent funded.

"The health situation in Sudan itself has reached gravely serious levels,” WHO warned.

The WHO's latest numbers showed that more than two-thirds of hospitals remain out of service amid increasing reports of attacks on health facilities. WHO has so far verified 51 attacks on health facilities, resulting in 10 deaths and 24 injuries - and cutting off access to urgently needed care.

About 760,000 people uprooted by the fighting have escaped to five neighboring countries - Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan – where WHO and partners are supporting national authorities to provide emergency health assistance to them.