As the conflict in Sudan intensifies, the World Health Organization called on Saturday for urgent measures to address the worsening health and humanitarian crises in the war-torn country, urging the international community to increase financial assistance. The organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on the "X" platform: "Urgent action is needed to stop the escalation of conflict in Sudan, where humanitarian and health crises are worsening with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, mostly women and children." Since mid-April, Sudan has been embroiled in a bloody war between the army and Rapid Support Forces.
To escape the fighting in Khartoum, more than half a million Sudanese have fled to Al-Jazeera state. However, the Rapid Support Forces recently advanced into this state, attacking the town of Wad Madani on December 15 and forcing over 300,000 people to flee once again. Tedros added: "While the World Health Organization is responding with partners to urgent health needs, particularly in controlling disease outbreaks and combating malnutrition threats, it also calls for increased financial support from the international community to meet the urgent health needs of affected populations."
The UN estimates that at least 7.1 million people have been displaced since the conflict began, with 1.5 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. More than 12,000 people have been killed in the war, according to a conservative estimate from the non-governmental organization "ACLED."
