Sudan Hospital Attack: Children and Medics Killed, WHO Condemns 'Appalling' Violence
A devastating attack on Al-Mujlad Hospital in Sudan's West Kordofan state has resulted in the deaths of over 40 people, including children and medical personnel.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly condemned the violence, calling it an "appalling attack". The head of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, posted on X, urging that attacks on healthcare facilities must stop.
Details of the Attack
The hospital, located near conflict frontlines in West Kordofan, was reportedly struck on Saturday. Al-Mujlad Hospital was the only functioning healthcare facility in the area. Six children and five health workers were among the dead.
Accusations and Blame
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and civil society groups attribute the attack to the Sudanese army. However, the army has yet to issue a statement responding to the allegations. The RSF has not commented on that claim, nor has the army.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Sudan has been gripped by a civil war since April 2023, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict has seen accusations of war crimes against medical facilities and staff from both sides.
The UN children's agency, Unicef, has warned of a deepening crisis for children, exacerbated by funding shortages. There are also harrowing reports of sexual violence against children amid the conflict. Catherine Russell, head of UNICEF, stated that children are malnourished, out of school, and at serious risk of exploitation and disease.