Project HOPE Calls for the Protection of Health Facilities in Sudan
Statement from Project HOPE’s CEO & President Rabih Torbay
Washington, DC (18 April 2023) – Since Saturday, April 15th, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in fierce fighting in Khartoum and across Sudan, which has already claimed the lives of more than 180 people.
We are deeply concerned to see reports of half a dozen hospitals being targeted by the fighting and ensuing chaos, which is preventing health workers from accessing their patients. Despite the massive casualties, health facilities are now without the medical staff, electricity, water, and supplies to care for patients, including maternity wards and intensive care units.
Amongst the civilians who have already lost their lives are four humanitarian aid workers.
Even before this conflict, Sudan has been home to a dire humanitarian situation. The country’s fragile health system – including a lack of skilled health workers and inconsistent health access across rural areas – has contributed to high child and maternal mortality rates and deaths from outbreaks of communicable diseases.
Without access to health care and humanitarian aid, many more lives will be lost. It is absolutely essential that the agreed-upon ceasefire is not only respected, but extended so that aid workers can safely evacuate civilians, deliver humanitarian assistance, and care for the wounded.
Health facilities, health workers, and humanitarian aid workers should never be a target.
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About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leading global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 25 countries around the world. We work side-by-side with local health systems to save lives and improve health. Our mission is at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges, including infectious and chronic diseases, disasters and health crises, maternal, neonatal and child health and the policies that impact how health care is delivered. For more information on Project HOPE and its work around the world, visit www.ProjectHOPE.org and follow us on Twitter @ProjectHOPEorg.
