WHO Chief Demands Safe Access in Sudan as Civil War Hits 1,000 Days
Urgent Call for Health Access
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday urged all parties to provide unrestricted and safe access to every area of Sudan to restore vital health services. His comments came as the civil war in Sudan surpassed 1,000 days.
“WHO calls for unrestricted and safe access to all areas of Sudan to restore health services,” Tedros said during a press briefing in Geneva. He warned that ongoing violence has left the country in a dire humanitarian situation.
Humanitarian Crisis at Unprecedented Levels
Tedros highlighted that continuous fighting has devastated Sudan. “Almost three years of conflict have turned Sudan into the worst humanitarian crisis in the world,” he said.
An estimated 33.7 million people will need humanitarian aid in 2026, while 13.6 million are displaced, marking Sudan as the largest displacement crisis globally.
Collapsed Health System and Disease Outbreaks
The WHO chief noted that overcrowding, poor living conditions, lack of clean water and sanitation, and interrupted vaccination campaigns are fueling outbreaks of cholera, dengue, malaria, and measles.
“Just when the people of Sudan need it most, the health system has been severely damaged by attacks on health facilities, shortages of medical supplies, and insufficient health workers and funding,” Tedros said. He added that more than one-third of health facilities remain non-functional despite efforts to restore services.
Call to Protect Civilians and End Conflict
Tedros also urged all parties to protect civilians, humanitarian workers, and patients, emphasizing that peace is essential. “As always, the best medicine is peace,” he said.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has killed thousands and displaced millions across the country.
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