A devastating attack on a hospital in Sudan’s conflict-ridden Darfur region has claimed the lives of at least 64 people, including 13 children, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Saturday, 21 March. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the incident as “deeply tragic” and warned that the country’s ongoing civil conflict continues to threaten the lives of civilians and healthcare workers alike.
The attack occurred late on Friday at the Al-Dain Teaching Hospital in Al-Dain, the capital of East Darfur. Victims included patients receiving medical care, as well as two female nurses and a male doctor, effectively paralysing emergency services at the facility. The destruction has intensified the humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands in the region without access to essential healthcare.
Casualties and Hospital Impact
| Category | Number of Victims | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total fatalities | 64 | Includes 13 children and 3 medical staff |
| Severely injured | 89 | Includes 8 healthcare workers |
| Hospital services affected | Entire hospital | Children’s ward, maternity, and emergency departments destroyed |
According to WHO reports, attacks on healthcare facilities have become alarmingly frequent in Sudan. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, at least 213 medical centres have been assaulted, resulting in the deaths of over 2,000 healthcare personnel and patients. The ongoing war pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), producing one of the world’s most severe man-made humanitarian crises, with over 12 million people displaced to date. United Nations experts have identified patterns of systematic violence and potential genocidal activity particularly in Darfur, raising serious concerns about human rights violations.
The attack at Al-Dain Teaching Hospital specifically destroyed the children’s ward, maternity unit, and emergency department, rendering the facility completely inoperative. The 89 people severely injured include eight healthcare workers, further straining an already overburdened medical system in a region where healthcare access is scarce.
Ghebreyesus called on the international community to act decisively, stressing the importance of protecting civilians, medical personnel, and humanitarian workers. He said:
“Enough blood has been shed, and enough suffering endured. It is time to ensure the safety of those who save lives.”
Analysts warn that the assault represents not only a direct attack on healthcare infrastructure but also a broader threat to civilian survival in conflict zones. The destruction of a single hospital can jeopardise the lives of thousands, leaving communities without critical care for injuries, childbirth, or disease outbreaks.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has prompted urgent calls for humanitarian intervention, conflict resolution, and strict protection of medical facilities. With the international community closely monitoring the situation, experts say that coordinated action is essential to prevent further loss of life and mitigate the human toll of this prolonged war.