The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed outrage over the reported killing of more than 460 patients and their companions at the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, following recent attacks and the abduction of health workers.
In a statement, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization was appalled and deeply shocked by the incident, calling for an immediate and unconditional end to all attacks on health facilities in the conflict-torn country.
“WHO is appalled and deeply shocked by reports of the tragic killing of more than 460 patients and companions at Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, following recent attacks and the abduction of health workers,” Dr. Tedros said.
The attack marks one of the deadliest assaults on a medical facility since fighting erupted in Sudan in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has been a major flashpoint in the prolonged conflict, with hospitals and aid facilities repeatedly caught in the crossfire.
According to WHO, before this latest tragedy, the organization had verified 185 attacks on health care in Sudan, resulting in 1,204 deaths and 416 injuries to health workers and patients since the conflict began.
Of these, 49 attacks occurred in 2025 alone, causing 966 deaths.
“These repeated and deliberate attacks on health care are unconscionable,” Dr. Tedros said.
“All attacks on health care must stop immediately and unconditionally. All patients, health personnel and health facilities must be protected under international humanitarian law.”
He urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect humanitarian principles and ensure the safety of medical workers and civilians seeking care.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that Sudan’s health system is on the brink of collapse, with only a fraction of hospitals still operational in conflict-affected areas.
Shortages of medicines, electricity, and clean water have further worsened the crisis, leaving millions without access to essential care.
The United Nations and humanitarian partners continue to call for the protection of medical personnel and facilities, reiterating that targeting hospitals is a grave violation of international law.
