UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Monday said the situation in Sudan is tragic and that their humanitarian partners in North Darfur are reporting an extremely dire health situation, particularly in the state capital of El Fasher and displacement camps in surrounding areas.
He said that currently more than 200 health facilities in El Fasher are not functioning, and there are severe shortages of medical staff and critical shortages of medical supplies.
“Our humanitarian colleagues are telling us that the continued hostilities have caused waves of displacement, overwhelming an already fragile healthcare system that is struggling even to meet people’s basic needs. On top of that, the insecurity and access constraints continue to impede our partners’ attempts to provide essential medical supplies,” Dujarric reported. “The picture is bleak, but sadly, not only in El Fasher. We told you yesterday about how the outbreak of diseases in White Nile State for instance deepen the humanitarian crisis. Across areas impacted by the hostilities in Sudan, the World Health Organization reports that over 70 percent of hospitals and health facilities are no longer operational, leaving millions without healthcare.”
“Sudan’s health system has also come under relentless attack. As of mid-February, WHO recorded nearly 150 attacks on health care centers in Sudan since the war there began – but the real figure is most likely be far higher,” he added.
He appealed – yet again – for the parties to the conflict to ensure safe, sustained and timely humanitarian access to reach people in need of critical support.
“Civilians have to be protected, and the essential needs for their survival have to be met,” Dujarric stated.