PORT SUDAN, Sudan, 3 April 2026 – The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the escalating attacks on health care facilities in Sudan. On 2 April, Al Jabalayn Teaching Hospital in White Nile State’s Kosti Town suffered an attack, causing the death of ten health workers, including the medical director, and leaving 22 injured. The emergency room and operating theatre were completely destroyed. This incident follows attacks on the Kurmuk Teaching Hospital in Blue Nile State on 24 March, a medical supplies warehouse in Rabak, White Nile State on 1 April, and Al Daein Al Usra Hospital, where health workers were reported to have been assaulted.
Since the onset of the conflict in Sudan three years ago, the WHO has verified 214 attacks on health care, resulting in 2,042 deaths and 785 injuries. In the first quarter of 2026, 13 attacks have been verified, claiming 184 lives and injuring 295. WHO Representative to Sudan, Dr Shible Sahbani, expressed sorrow over the attacks, stating, “These attacks further restrict access to health care at a time when it is needed most.”Dr Sahbani called on all parties to the conflict to respect International Humanitarian Law and the sanctity of health.
UNICEF Representative to Sudan, Sheldon Yett, emphasized the impact on children, saying, “Attacks on hospitals are a grave violation of children’s rights. When hospitals are attacked, children lose access to the services and protection they depend on in their most vulnerable moments.”Yett called for the protection of health care at all times and the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers.
The attack on Al Jabalayn Teaching Hospital occurred during a busy hour, amidst a Cesarian section. WHO and UNICEF are calling on all parties to the conflict to respect and protect health care, ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers, and facilitate sustained, unimpeded access to essential services for children and their families.
Source: reliefweb
