WHO Expresses Concern Over the Detention of Medical Staff and Civilians in Sudan
Report – Mashawir
The World Health Organization has expressed concern over reports indicating that more than 70 healthcare workers and around 5,000 civilians are being forcibly detained in Nyala, in southwestern Sudan.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X, “We are deeply concerned about the reports from Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State, Sudan, indicating the detention of more than 70 healthcare workers along with approximately 5,000 civilians.”
He added that, according to the Sudan Doctors Network, the detainees are being held in unhygienic conditions, with reports of disease outbreaks.
Tedros explained that the WHO is gathering additional information on the detentions and the conditions of those being held, adding that ongoing insecurity further complicates the situation.
He continued, “Reports of the detention of health workers and thousands of other individuals are extremely worrying. Health workers and civilians must be protected at all times, and we call for their safe and unconditional release.”
The World Health Organization has recorded 65 attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan this year, resulting in the deaths of 1,620 people and injuring 276 others.
