The World Medical Association Raises Alarm Over Escalating Attacks on Healthcare in Sudan
The World Medical Association expresses its grave concern following the reported attack on the Hospital in El-Daein, East Darfur, on 20 March 2026, which resulted in the deaths of at least 70 people, including patients and health personnel.
This attack, which has rendered a key referral hospital serving a population of over two million people non-operational, further exacerbates an already critical humanitarian situation and severely limits access to essential medical care. The strike reflects a further escalation in the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), ongoing since April 2023.
The World Medical Association recalls its Resolution for an Immediate Ceasefire in Sudan and the Protection of Health Care, which calls on all parties to cease hostilities, ensure the safety of health personnel and patients, and guarantee unhindered access to medical care and humanitarian assistance.
“Medical neutrality is a core obligation under international humanitarian law. Health personnel, patients and medical facilities must be protected at all times and in all circumstances by all parties to a conflict. Hospitals and healthcare facilities must never be treated as legitimate targets of military action.”, said Dr Jacqueline Kitulu, President of the World Medical Association.
The World Medical Association calls upon all parties involved to immediately de-escalate hostilities, fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of health personnel, patients and medical infrastructure, as well as safe and unimpeded access to medical care.
The World Medical Association stands in solidarity with health personnel who continue to provide care under conditions of extreme danger.
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