The World Health Organization has denounced on June 24 a devastating attack on Al-Mujlad Hospital in West Kordofan, Sudan, that killed over 40 people, including six children and five health workers. The strike occurred on Saturday near an active frontline in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described on June 24 the assault as “another appalling attack” and urged an immediate end to violence against healthcare infrastructure. “Attacks on health must stop everywhere”, he posted on Tuesday. Al-Mujlad was the only operational hospital in the area, housing critical facilities such as a dialysis unit and focusing on treating civilians.
Blame for the attack has been directed at the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudan Doctors Network, and the Emergency Lawyers group. Both civil society organisations allege that the SAF targeted the facility to eliminate RSF fighters reportedly stationed inside. However, neither the RSF nor the army has issued formal statements confirming or denying the allegations. The attack reflects a disturbing pattern of violations against medical facilities and personnel throughout the conflict, with both warring sides accused of committing war crimes.
The humanitarian toll of Sudan’s civil war continues to mount, with the United Nations labelling it the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. UNICEF chief Catherine Russell, during a visit to Sudanese refugees in Chad, highlighted the desperate plight of children, many of whom are malnourished, out of school, and exposed to severe risks including sexual violence. She warned that the aid response remains severely underfunded, with two-thirds of required resources still lacking. As the war enters its third year, the suffering of Sudan’s most vulnerable populations continues unabated, underscoring urgent calls for international intervention and accountability.