Attacks against hospitals and health facilities must end

PORT SUDAN, Sudan, 4 April 2026 – The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) express grave concern over the increasing scale and frequency of attacks on health care in conflict-affected areas of Sudan.

On 2 April, Al Jabalayn Teaching Hospital located south-west of Kosti Town in White Nile State, was attacked, resulting in the death of ten health workers, including the medical director. Twenty-two people were injured. The hospital’s emergency room and operating theatre were completely destroyed.

This attack follows earlier attacks on Kurmuk Teaching Hospital in Blue Nile State on 24 March and on a medical supplies warehouse in Rabak, White Nile State, on 1 April, which destroyed critical infrastructure and injured a health worker, and on Al Daein Al Usra Hospital, where health workers were reportedly assaulted.

In the three years since the start of the conflict in Sudan, WHO has verified 214 attacks on health care in Sudan, resulting in 2,042 deaths and 785 injuries. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 13 attacks have been verified, killing 184 people and injuring 295.

“We are deeply saddened by the deaths, injuries and damage to health assets that continue to occur due to attacks on health in Sudan despite repeated calls to protect health care. These attacks further restrict access to health care at a time when it is needed most,” said WHO Representative to Sudan, Dr Shible Sahbani. “Patients and health workers should not fear for their lives or risk death while seeking and providing health care. We call on parties to the conflict to abide by International Humanitarian Law and respect the sanctity of health.”

“Attacks on hospitals are a grave violation of children’s rights. When hospitals are attacked, children lose access to the services and protection they depend on in their most vulnerable moments. Striking health facilities steals children’s rights to survive,” said UNICEF Representative to Sudan, Sheldon Yett.

Attacks on health facilities, health workers, and patients are a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. They deprive children and communities of essential, life-saving care and deepen an already critical humanitarian crisis.

WHO and UNICEF call on all parties to the conflict to respect and protect health care at all times, ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers, and facilitate sustained, unimpeded access to essential services for children and their families.