Darfur hospital suffers fatal assault, claiming one life: MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières)

In the heart of Central Darfur state, the hospital in Zalingei, the only referral hospital serving a population of around half a million, has been the site of an armed assault on Wednesday. The attack, perpetrated by armed relatives of a patient who had died from a gunshot wound, caused a hand grenade to go off in front of the emergency room, resulting in one person being killed and five, including a health worker supported by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), being wounded.

The hospital, which is currently facing a deadly cholera outbreak, was forced to temporarily suspend operations due to the attack. This unfortunate incident comes at a time when humanitarian needs in Sudan have reached unprecedented levels, as stated by UN humanitarian coordinator Luca Renda.

The ongoing war between Sudan's regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has taken a heavy toll on the country's healthcare system. Nearly 25 million people in Sudan face dire hunger, with millions cut off from life-saving aid, according to recent reports.

The war has resulted in over 120 aid workers being killed, as stated by the United Nations. Moreover, according to Sudan's doctors' union, 90 percent of the country's hospitals have been forced to close at some point during the war.

Organisations like Medair are actively providing humanitarian aid in Darfur, Sudan, focusing on healthcare for pregnant and nursing women and children during this crisis. However, incidents like the attack on the hospital in Zalingei make it increasingly difficult for these organisations to deliver essential services.

The attack on the hospital in Zalingei serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare workers and patients in Sudan. It is hoped that such incidents will be minimised in the future, allowing for the continued delivery of essential healthcare services to those who need them most.