WHO Denounces Atrocities as Violence Escalates in North Darfur
The World Health Organization (WHO) has severely denounced the horrific slaughter of more than 460 patients and their families in El Fasher. The most recent wave of violence in North Darfur saw the victims shot inside the Saudi Maternity Hospital.
The group said that six health professionals, including four physicians, were taken on the same day. This is the fourth attack on the institution in a month, and it has brought the region’s already weak healthcare system to the brink of collapse.
Source: New Scientist
Health Facilities Under Fire in Ongoing Humanitarian Catastrophe
When the incident happened, the Saudi Maternity Hospital was the sole medical facility in El Fasher that was only partially working. In other attacks earlier in October, one nurse was killed and three other health workers were injured.
Since the fighting started, 46 health workers have died and 48 others have been injured in El Fasher. It is still unknown where staff from three NGOs are, which raises more fears for the safety of humanitarian workers.
WHO Calls for Protection of Civilians and Medical Workers
WHO repeated its plea for strict adherence to international humanitarian law, which calls for the protection of civilians and medical workers. It stressed that attacking healthcare institutions goes against international law and is morally wrong.
The group asked all armed groups to stop fighting right away and let humanitarian aid go to the people who need it. The World Health Organization (WHO) said it is still helping partners on the ground keep emergency medical services going.
Recommended Article: Healthcare Worker Shortage Threatens Singapore’s Stability
Thousands Trapped Without Food, Shelter, or Medical Care
More than 260,000 individuals are still stuck in El Fasher with no access to food, water, or medical care. About 28,000 individuals have been forced to leave their homes because of recent warfare. Of them, 26,000 fled to surrounding villages and 2,000 made it to Tawila.
In the next several days, more than 100,000 more people are anticipated to converge near Tawila. A lot of the people who have been forced to leave are women and children who are alone and don’t have enough food, water, or protection.
Cholera Outbreak Deepens Public Health Emergency
Cholera infections are spreading quickly because sanitation is getting worse and there isn’t enough water. El Fasher has recorded 272 suspected cases and 32 deaths this year alone, which means that about 12% of people who become sick die.
There have been 18,468 suspected cases and 662 fatalities in 40 places in Darfur. Limited disease surveillance and limited access to humanitarian aid have made it very hard to contain and treat the disease.
Malnutrition and Disease Spread Among Vulnerable Populations
As food supplies run low and marketplaces are closed, malnutrition is spreading quickly among youngsters and pregnant women. Weakened immunity makes people more likely to get cholera, malaria, and other infectious illnesses.
Since February 2025, El Fasher has not been able to get any humanitarian aid, and hospitals are having a hard time with the growing number of patients. The breakdown of infrastructure continues to put thousands of displaced people at risk.
WHO Mobilizes Urgent Aid and Medical Response Operations
WHO personnel are attempting to keep healthcare going in regions that are easy to get to, even when access is highly limited. 20 metric tons of medications and emergency supplies are being sent from Nyala to Tawila to help those who have had to leave their homes.
WHO is working with partners to stabilize the severely ill and send quick response teams to Tawila and Korma. More medical convoys are ready to join a UN operation that will bring food, medication, and other supplies that save lives as soon as the roads are clear.
