Warning of 'Collapse' of Sudan's Healthcare System; 49,000 Cancer Patients at Risk of Death

UN-affiliated agencies announced on Friday that millions of Sudanese cannot receive treatment for emergency and chronic conditions as the war has brought the country's fragile healthcare system to the brink of total collapse. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that violence and 'lack of equipment, attacks on health facilities or their occupation, and assaults on medical staff' have a devastating impact on people's lives and their ability to access healthcare. The World Health Organization also reported that since the onset of conflict three months ago between Sudan's armed forces and a paramilitary group known as 'Rapid Support', there have been about 50 attacks on healthcare centers, resulting in ten deaths and twenty injuries. Rick Brennan, the organization's emergency director for the Eastern Mediterranean, stated, 'Without an immediate political solution, ongoing violence, widespread insecurity, repeated attacks on health facilities, and limited access to essential health supplies have placed the people of Sudan in a life-or-death situation.' Speaking from Cairo, Brennan noted that violence has severely impacted access to primary healthcare, including treatment for common infections such as pneumonia and diarrhea, trauma care, and maternal healthcare. He mentioned that the continuation of conflict prevents treatment for individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. According to him, disruption in access to these services endangers the lives of 8,000 people, including 240 children who require regular dialysis, and many of the approximately 49,000 Sudanese cancer patients may 'die without the resumption of treatment and access to cancer care.' Brennan added that lack of access to healthcare increases the risk of outbreaks of malaria, measles, dengue fever, and cholera. He indicated that the risks are particularly heightened with the onset of the rainy season. The World Health Organization estimates that 11 million people in Sudan need urgent health assistance, but very few health centers remain operational. Brennan stated that between two-thirds and 80% of hospitals are not functioning, and 'in the Darfur region, only one hospital is partially operational.' He mentioned that despite ongoing insecurity and bureaucratic obstacles, the World Health Organization is collaborating with local health authorities and other UN agencies, including UNICEF and the UN Population Fund, to provide healthcare. For instance, he noted that over 170 tons of medical supplies have been delivered to hospitals, and treatment protocols for over 100,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition have been implemented. Brennan also highlighted widespread sexual and gender-based violence, stating that victims of such violence have received medical and psychological support, and 'together with other UN agencies, we are exploring all options to expand our operations, including through cross-border assistance.' Behind the scenes – Sudan in crisis. The UN reported the discovery of 'a mass grave' in Sudan. The consequences of three months of conflict in Sudan: the number of refugees and displaced persons has reached three million. The ongoing war in Sudan; Egypt is holding a conference to achieve peace. The Sudan crisis; renewed clashes between the army and Rapid Support Forces have intensified. The UN: The war in Sudan has displaced one million children.