WHO reports attack on last functioning hospital in Sudan's El-Fasher

The World Health Organization has reported an attack on the last partially functioning hospital in Sudan's besieged El-Fasher region, dealing a devastating blow to humanitarian efforts in the conflict-ravaged area. The assault on the Saudi Maternity Hospital has further degraded medical services for hundreds of thousands of trapped civilians.

Casualties and Communication Blackout

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced via social media platform X that the attack resulted in one nurse killed and three other healthcare workers injured. He noted that a complete communication blackout in the North Darfur capital has prevented verification of further developments at the hospital site, complicating both emergency response and accurate assessment of the situation.

Humanitarian Plea and Worsening Crisis

Tedros issued an urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of medical personnel and patients, and unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver critical medical supplies. His appeal comes just days after four UN agencies revealed that approximately 260,000 civilians remain trapped in El-Fasher, including 130,000 children suffering severe food shortages and virtually nonexistent healthcare services amid the escalating Sudan conflict.

Military Context and Regional Siege

The hospital attack occurred against the backdrop of intense fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has surrounded El-Fasher from multiple directions since May 10, 2024. The strategic city has witnessed weeks of fierce combat as the RSF attempts to gain control of this crucial humanitarian operations center for the entire Darfur region, extending a conflict that began in April 2023 and has caused massive displacement.