The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that 270 people were killed and about 2,600 injured in violence in Sudan on Saturday. WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said this at a virtual press conference on Tuesday.
Violence broke out in Sudan between two generals the country last weekend with millions of people stranded.
However, after numerous calls for an end to the clashes, the Sudanese military and the Rapid Relief Force agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire.
Ghebreyesus said-
“Tragically, three workers from the World Food Programme have also been killed. I condemn all loss of life and we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Sudan. The heaviest fighting is currently in Khartoum.
“The supplies that the WHO distributed to health facilities, prior to this recent escalation of conflict, are now exhausted. Hospitals in Khartoum receiving injured civilians are reporting shortages of medical personnel and life-saving medical supplies.
“Fuel shortages for hospital generators, as well as water and power cuts are also reportedly affecting the functionality of health facilities”.
The DG also called on-
“all parties to comply with their obligations under international law” based on “reports that some hospitals are already closed, or on the brink of closure, due to attacks, and a lack of medical personnel and medical supplies”.
The WHO DG also warned that-
“health care facilities and workers must never be a target, especially in a situation like this where there are thousands of civilians who need access to emergency care”.
cc: Punch Ng
