On 3 April 2026, Plan International issued a statement expressing profound alarm and sadness over the reported attack on Al-Jabalain Hospital in White Nile State, Sudan. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of seven people and injuries to at least tens of others, including medical staff and civilians. Such attacks on healthcare facilities are considered grave violations of international humanitarian law.
The statement from Plan International emphasized the crucial role that health facilities play in providing safety and healing. The organization underscored that attacks on hospitals and medical personnel are unacceptable and that they not only claim lives but also deny vulnerable communities, particularly children and girls, access to life-saving healthcare.
Mohamed Kamal, Country Director of Plan International Sudan, commented on the incident, stating, “This attack is devastating and unacceptable. Hospitals should be safe spaces where lives are saved, not lost.”He further highlighted that the targeting of health facilities during a time of immense hardship exacerbates the suffering of children and families in urgent need of care and protection.
Plan International also noted the broader context of the breakdown of the health system in Sudan, which has left thousands of people, including girls and women, without access to basic health needs. The organization warned that this situation could escalate the humanitarian crisis, with thousands at risk of losing their lives.
The statement comes just two weeks after a drone strike on the Teaching Hospital in Al Deain, East Darfur, which killed at least 70 people, including at least 13 children and medical staff. This event has highlighted a disturbing pattern of attacks on healthcare in the region.
In response, Plan International called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and ensure the protection of hospitals, health workers, and patients. The organization reiterates its urgent call for the protection of children, families, and essential services, as well as for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.
Source: reliefweb
