In 3 years of war, WHO verifies 217 attacks on health care in Sudan

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday warned of a surge in deadly attacks on health care in Sudan as the country’s war enters its third year.

WHO Representative in Sudan Shible Sahbani told reporters in Geneva that "in the three years of war, WHO has verified 217 attacks on health care with 2,052 deaths and 810 injuries," adding that 16 attacks in the past three months alone caused 194 deaths and 320 injuries.

He said attacks have become more frequent and deadly since 2025, with victims including a woman in labor, a doctor, and children killed inside a hospital.

Sahbani also warned that disease outbreaks are spreading, with malaria, dengue, measles, polio, hepatitis E and diphtheria reported across several states.

Despite the challenges, WHO has delivered more than 3,000 metric tons of medical supplies and supported treatment for over 4.1 million people since April 2023, while helping vaccinate more than 46 million, he said.

The health sector requires $325.3 million in 2026, he added, urging donors to step up support.

"We call for the protection of health care and for respect to the sanctity of health," Sahbani said, stressing that "without peace, there cannot be health."

Separately, FAO Representative in Sudan Hongjie Yang warned that Sudan’s food situation remains "extremely dire."

"Urgent attention is needed to address the still extremely dire food situation in many parts of Sudan, including Khartoum," he said, noting that over 20 to 21 million people face acute food insecurity, including 6.3 million in extreme conditions.