Deadly Strike on Sudan Hospital Kills 64, Says WHO

At least 64 people, including 13 children, were killed and 89 others injured in a strike on a hospital in Sudan’s East Darfur state, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The attack hit El-Daein Teaching Hospital on Friday, leaving key departments—including paediatrics, maternity, and emergency care—severely damaged and forcing the facility out of service. Among those killed were patients, a doctor, and two nurses.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the strike, saying “enough blood has been spilled” in the conflict and urging an immediate de-escalation to protect civilians and healthcare workers.

A local rights group reported that the hospital was struck by a drone, as fighting continues between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces across the country. The Darfur region, largely controlled by the paramilitary group, has seen repeated attacks in recent months.

The WHO said eight healthcare workers were among the injured and warned that the destruction of the hospital has critically disrupted essential medical services in the area. It is now working with partners to expand capacity at nearby facilities and deliver emergency medical supplies.

The United Nations has expressed alarm over the attack, noting that healthcare facilities have been repeatedly targeted since the conflict began in April 2023. Verified data shows more than 2,000 people have been killed in over 200 attacks on health facilities during the war.

The conflict has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced more than 11 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The UN estimates over 33 million people now require urgent assistance.

“Health care should never be a target. Peace is the best medicine,” Tedros said, calling for an end to the violence.