DUBLIN,Ireland June 24-A devastating strike on Al-Mujlad Hospital in Sudan has left over 40 people dead among them children and medical staff according to the head of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The hospital, located in Muglad town in West Kordofan state near an active frontline, was hit on Saturday. It was the only operational health facility in the region.
“Attacks on healthcare must stop everywhere!This cannot be said more clearly” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on X
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have blamed the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for the attack, a claim echoed by two civil society groups. The army has yet to respond publicly.
Since the civil war erupted in April 2023, Sudan has become what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including targeting healthcare facilities and personnel.
WHO’s Sudan office confirmed that six children and five health workers were among the dead, and dozens more were injured in the bombing.
The hospital reportedly housed a dialysis unit and prioritized treatment for civilians, not combatants, according to Emergency Lawyers, a group documenting abuses by both warring factions.
The Sudan Doctors Network claims the army attacked the hospital to target RSF fighters allegedly taking shelter inside. The RSF has not addressed this accusation, and the army has remained silent on the incident.
Meanwhile, the crisis for Sudan’s children is deepening. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, visiting Sudanese refugees in Chad, warned that hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children are now facing hunger, lack of education, and serious threats of disease and exploitation.
“Many are malnourished, out of school, and at grave risk,” she said, adding that the aid response is still missing two-thirds of the required funding.
Among the most disturbing reports from the conflict are cases of sexual violence against children, including assaults on toddlers. Some young victims have even attempted suicide as a result.
