Since April 2023, Sudan’s healthcare has faced 519 violent attacks, resulting in 119 health worker fatalities and significant infrastructure damage. Notably, 2024 has seen a rise in incidents in Al Jazirah and North Darfur, amidst ongoing food insecurity exacerbated by conflict-related violence. Reports detail extreme violence against health facilities and essential food supply chains, indicating worsening humanitarian conditions.
Insecurity Insight has documented a staggering 519 attacks on Sudan’s healthcare system since fighting erupted between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, continuing through November 26, 2024. During this period, 119 health workers have lost their lives, while 87 have sustained injuries, and 65 have been detained. Health facilities suffered 128 instances of damage, with ongoing issues of looting and obstruction of essential medications.
The year 2024 saw escalating incidents particularly in Al Jazirah and North Darfur states, alongside continuing high rates of attacks in Khartoum. However, the intensity of these incidents has not matched the levels seen in 2023. An interactive map provides insights into the specific locations of these violent events, available via HDX, though it no longer includes event descriptions or geo-coordinates. Data is refreshed weekly, and users can track updates on the ongoing situation.
A separate report analyzing conflict-related incidents affecting food security from April 2023 to November 2024 indicates the destructive toll of violence on markets and food infrastructure. Incidents of arson and explosive attacks have directly impaired food production and supply, leading to declared famine conditions in parts of Sudan by July 2024. Blockades and restrictions on agricultural access have further exacerbated food insecurity,
showing a disregard for the safety of essential resources needed for civilian survival.
Documented attacks in December 2024 illustrate the ongoing devastation: on December 25, RSF artillery struck multiple areas of an MSF-supported hospital in El Fasher, leading to its reported destruction. Subsequent attacks, including a bomb explosion at an IRC center in an IDP camp, resulted in fatalities and injuries. Other incidents include sexual violence against patients and looting during RSF offensives. As of January 4, 2025, the same hospital faced its 14th attack, with medical personnel resorting to using mobile phone lights for surgery amid ongoing bombings.
The ongoing conflicts in Sudan have severely compromised the nation’s healthcare and food security systems, leading to significant loss of life and humanitarian crises. Despite some changes in location and intensity of attacks, the overall situation remains critical. Continued monitoring and assistance are crucial to address the dire needs of affected populations and safeguard essential healthcare services.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
