90% of Health Facilities in Kordofan and Darfur Are Out of Service

Doctors in Sudan have warned of the imminent collapse of the health sector in Darfur and Kordofan states, as the ongoing conflict has destroyed 90% of medical facilities.

Most hospitals in both regions have been completely destroyed, with both the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accused of targeting operational medical facilities, rendering them entirely out of service.

A report issued by the Sudan Doctors Network stated:

> “The network warns of an almost total collapse of the healthcare system in the Darfur region and the Kordofan states.”

added:

> “If no action is taken now, what remains of the healthcare system in conflict areas may completely collapse within weeks, placing millions of civilians—especially children, women, and people with chronic illnesses—at extreme risk.”

Between April 15, 2023 (the beginning of the conflict) and the end of that year, 136 attacks were recorded on healthcare facilities, resulting in 238 deaths and 214 injuries, according to Save the Children. Additionally, 13 attacks were reported in the first half of the previous year, causing 16 deaths and 148 injuries.

The report warned of an approaching near-total collapse of the health system in areas under RSF control, as well as in some areas under Sudanese army control, due to the continued shutdown of most medical facilities, the closure of referral hospitals, and the mass displacement of thousands of medical professionals.

It emphasized that field reports from various Sudanese states indicate that the healthcare system is in its worst state since the start of the conflict. Most areas are now without effective health coverage, with a severe shortage of supplies, an absence of essential services, and inability to respond to emergencies, chronic illnesses, or outbreaks.