The targeting of civilian hospitals and healthcare facilities by militant groups violates Article 18 of the Geneva Convention, although, unfortunately, this hasn’t stopped repeated attacks during the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
According to UNICEF reports, 70% of healthcare facilities in Sudan are currently inoperable and unable to provide life-saving care to civilians. The capital city of Khartoum supplies much of Sudan’s medical equipment; however, being in the center of the violent conflict, it is unable to provide supplies to Sudanese healthcare facilities in cities such as war-torn Darfur. Additionally, the war has displaced over seven million, including most healthcare workers who have fled for safety, leaving the few remaining healthcare facilities severely understaffed.
As sanitation practices have been less feasible, outbreaks of cholera, measles, dengue, and malaria have erupted among the population, killing over 1,000 children. This is happening amid an ongoing food insecurity crisis where 25 million people are facing acute food insecurity, culminating in the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.
Organizations, such as the International Rescue Committee and World Health Organization, have begun setting up mobile clinics in empty buildings and outdoors to better reach the fleeing crowds. However, this is proving insufficient, and more drastic measures are urgently needed to mitigate an even greater tragedy.
By Sarah Ortega