Sudan: Conflict leaves over 20,000 dead, with half the population “on the edge of survival”
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said at a press conference in Port Sudan that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 20,000 deaths.
On the second and final day of his visit to Sudan, Ghebreyesus disclosed that the conflict left more than 20,000 dead, 10 million internally displaced, and 2 million refugees in neighbouring countries. Overall, almost 25 million Sudanese citizens have been in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
The WHO Director-General also noted that “70% of the health sector has ceased providing services,” highlighting that his visit aimed to mobilise additional resources to mitigate the country’s humanitarian and health crises.
He emphasised the need for a ceasefire, protection for institutions and health workers, sustainability in the delivery of aid, and vaccination coverage against cholera, polio, measles, and other diseases spreading in affected areas.
“If we do this we will save millions of lives, predominantly children and women, who are today living on the edge of survival.”
