More than 60% of healthcare facilities in Khartoum closed due to conflict, warns WHO

Out of all the facilities, only 16% are currently functioning normally. The conflict has resulted in urban combat for almost two weeks, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people and the displacement of several foreigners.

The WHO has also expressed concern over the occupation of a national public laboratory in Khartoum by fighters who are holding samples of diseases such as polio, measles, and cholera.

The agency has warned of a significant biological risk associated with the situation and is assessing the potential public health threats of having untrained individuals in the lab.

 The WHO is carrying out an extensive risk assessment but is facing communication challenges due to the ongoing conflict.

The WHO emphasized that the primary threat to the people of Sudan currently is the fighting, including attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel. (ILKHA)