WHO estimates over 12,000 deaths in Sudan

It is a humanitarian crisis: in Sudan, more than 12,000 people have died since the beginning of the civil war eight months ago, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) – many due to a lack of medical care. Diseases continue to spread.

For nearly eight months, the Sudanese army has been fighting against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. According to the WHO representative in Sudan, Mohammad Taufiq Mashal, more than 12,000 people have died since then. He also stated that over 33,000 people have been injured in the conflicts. The country is in a deep humanitarian crisis.

Mashal referred to data from the non-profit organization Acled, which collects data on locations, parties involved, and victims of conflicts worldwide. 6.8 million out of the country’s 25 million inhabitants have been displaced from their homes. Many have sought refuge within the country, while others have fled to neighboring countries.

Medical care has collapsed in many areas

Many people have died because of the breakdown of medical care. They are unable to reach hospitals with their injuries and acute illnesses and lack access to life-saving medications for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and many other diseases. Infectious diseases can hardly be treated anymore.

Cholera is now spreading in nine states across the country, including major cities. Measles is also on the rise. Pregnant women cannot reach maternity clinics when complications arise during childbirth. Medical care is also lacking for sick children, and many children are now malnourished.

Healthcare workers continue to work without pay

The WHO claims to support 21 mobile clinics, treatment centers for cholera, and malnutrition. With partners, everything is being done to distribute medical supplies despite the devastating security situation. Many healthcare workers have been working without pay for months. According to data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), only 39% of the required $2.5 billion for humanitarian aid in Sudan has been paid by donor countries this year.

A power struggle between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated in Sudan on April 15. Since then, there have been fights in many parts of the country, especially in the capital, Khartoum, and the western Darfur region.