Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Sudan Following Vicious Hospital Attack

The World Health Organization has condemned the attack on Al-Mujlad Hospital in Sudan, which resulted in the deaths of many civilians, including children and healthcare workers. The country's civil war, now in its third year, continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, as both sides face accusations of war crimes against medical facilities.

A horrific attack on Al-Mujlad Hospital in Sudan has claimed more than 40 lives, including the deaths of children and healthcare professionals, as stated by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization (WHO). In a statement on X, he lamented, "We cannot say this louder… attacks on health must stop everywhere!" The assault occurred on Saturday in the West Kordofan state, which is currently situated near a frontline in the ongoing conflict, now in its third year.

According to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudanese army is responsible for the attack, an assertion echoed by two civil society groups. However, the army has not yet provided an official comment regarding these allegations. Since the civil war erupted in April 2023, the United Nations has classified the situation as the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread civilian casualties and mass displacements. In certain areas, the humanitarian devastation has been described by the US as synonymous with genocide.

Both sides in the conflict have been accused of committing war crimes against medical facilities and personnel, as reported by BBC News Arabic. Al-Mujlad Hospital, positioned in the town of Muglad, was noted as "the only functioning healthcare facility in the area" by the Sudan Doctors Network. Of the casualties, six children and five health workers were among the deceased, as reported by WHO's Sudan office.

The hospital was critical for civilian healthcare, notably running a dialysis unit, as highlighted by the Emergency Lawyers group, which tracks abuses by both armed factions. The doctors' organization alleges that the attack was an attempt by the army to target RSF fighters believed to be taking refuge inside the hospital. Both the RSF and the army have refrained from commenting on these claims.

Furthermore, UNICEF's chief, Catherine Russell, signaled an impending “worsening crisis” for children due to ongoing violence, revealing a shortfall of two-thirds in the necessary funding for aid initiatives. While visiting refugees in Chad, Russell noted that many vulnerable children are now malnourished, out of school, and facing risks of exploitation and disease. Disturbingly, there have been distressing reports of armed individuals sexually assaulting minors, with some children reportedly contemplating suicide.

As the situation in Sudan continues to escalate, the international community remains alarmed at the tragic impact on the nation's children and healthcare system.