The Al Daein Teaching Hospital in eastern Darfur, Sudan, came under attack on Friday evening, leading to a tragic loss of life including at least 64 fatalities and 89 injuries. The WHO's Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, reported that among the deceased were 13 children, two nurses, and a doctor, along with several patients, indicating the devastating impact on the local healthcare system. As a consequence of the attack, hospital operations have been ceased, illustrating the severe disruption to medical services in the region.

This attack is part of the ongoing civil war in Sudan that has intensified since April 2023, with clashes primarily between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has claimed that the army was responsible for the hospital attack, a claim that the army has denied. However, reports from military sources suggest that there was an attack on a nearby police station which adds to the already complex and violent landscape in the region. The continuing conflict has led to over 40,000 casualties, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis unfolding.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern about the safety of healthcare facilities, emphasizing that healthcare should never be a target in conflicts. Since the beginning of the conflict three years ago, there have been 213 reported attacks on healthcare facilities, demonstrating the increasing dangers faced by medical staff and patients. The recent escalation could further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Sudan as necessary medical care becomes increasingly inaccessible to those in need.