The World Health Organization has announced that at least 83 people have been killed and more than 1,126 people have been injured in Sudan in the recent wave of violence.
According to the organization, “As fighting continues in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan, WHO calls on all parties to the conflict to respect the impartiality of medical care and ensure unrestricted access to medical facilities for those affected by the fighting.”
WHO reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect the wounded and sick, civilians, medical workers, ambulances and medical facilities.
“Since April 13, more than 83 people have been killed and more than 1,126 injured in Khartoum, South Kordofan, North Darfur, Northern State and other areas, with the heaviest fighting now taking place in the city of Khartoum,” the organization added.
The World Health Organization has indicated that movement in the city is restricted due to a lack of security, creating problems for doctors, nurses, patients and ambulances to reach medical facilities and endangering the lives of those in need of medical emergencies.
And she continued, the World Health Organization is monitoring health needs and resources in Khartoum and other affected cities to ensure that limited supplies go where they are most needed.
Stocks transferred by WHO to medical facilities prior to this latest escalation of the conflict are now depleted, and many of the nine hospitals in Khartoum taking in wounded civilians have reported shortages of blood, blood transfusion equipment, intravenous fluids, medical supplies and other essentials . . . .
There are also reports of a shortage of specialized medical personnel, including anesthesiologists. Water and electricity cuts affect the functioning of medical facilities. Fuel shortages for hospital generators are also reported.
“As the situation evolves, WHO continues to work with partners and health authorities to close gaps in healthcare delivery, in particular in trauma care, while keeping our staff and their families safe,” the statement said.
Source: World Health Organization.