TRAGIG, 270 Killed, 2,600 Injured In Sudanese Violence –WHO

 The World Health Organisation, on Tuesday, said the violence that broke out in Sudan on Saturday had claimed  270 lives while about 2,600 people had been injured.

The Director General of WHO, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said this at a virtual press briefing on Tuesday.

Over the weekend, violence had broken out in Sudan between the nation’s two top generals, trapping millions of people.

The Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have, however, agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire after numerous calls for a halt to the clash. Ghebreyesus said, “Tragically, three workers from the World Food Programme have also been killed. I condemn all loss of life, and we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Sudan. The heaviest fighting is currently in Khartoum.“The supplies that the WHO distributed to health facilities before this recent escalation of conflict are now exhausted. Hospitals in Khartoum receiving injured civilians report shortages of medical personnel and life-saving medical supplies.

“Fuel shortages for hospital generators, as well as water and power cuts, are also reportedly affecting the functionality of health facilities.”The DG also called on “all parties to comply with their obligations under international law” based on “reports that some hospitals are already closed, or on the brink of closure, due to attacks, and a lack of medical personnel and medical supplies.”

The WHO boss also warned that “healthcare facilities and workers must never be a target, especially when there are thousands of civilians who need emergency care.”