Sudanese hospitals are teetering on the brink of collapse due to the ongoing war that has ravaged the country for nearly a year, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported.
Hanan Hassan Balakhi, WHO’s Regional Director, emphasized the critical shortages facing the nation’s health facilities during a stark briefing.
According to the “Sudan News” website, Balakhi highlighted a significant “medication gap” in Sudan as epidemic diseases spread rampantly among the population.
“Approximately 70% to 80% of hospitals in the conflict-affected states are non-functional, either due to direct attacks, lack of medical supplies and operational necessities, or a shortage of healthcare workers,” Balakhi stated.
The healthcare crisis is exacerbated by overcrowded hospitals filled with patients and the injured, as more individuals, many displaced within their own country, seek care. Access to many medical facilities remains severely restricted.
Balakhi pointed out that the pre-existing weaknesses in Sudan’s healthcare system, already strained before the conflict, have pushed it to the verge of collapse.
The lack of security contributes to this crisis, further complicating efforts to deliver essential services.
She urged the international community to accelerate humanitarian aid and fulfill the commitments made at the recent Paris Conference to end the hostilities continuing in some Sudanese states. Balakhi also revealed plans for funding, contingent on the international pledges being honoured.
Violent and widespread clashes have continued since 15 April 2023, between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces across various regions of Sudan.
Each faction is vying for control of strategic locations, including the presidential palace, the armed forces’ general headquarters, and numerous military and civilian airports.
