The Director General of the organisation, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said this during a virtual press briefing on Tuesday.
Violence broke out in Sudan over the weekend between the nation’s two top generals, trapping millions of people in the process.
The Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have, however, agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire starting after numerous calls for a halt to the clash.
“Tragically, three workers from the World Food Programme have also been killed. I condemn all loss of life and we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Sudan. The heaviest fighting is currently in Khartoum,” he said.
According to him, movement has been restricted due to insecurity, creating challenges for health workers and ambulances, to reach health facilities, and putting further lives at risk.
“The supplies that the WHO distributed to health facilities prior to this recent escalation of conflict are now exhausted. Hospitals in Khartoum receiving injured civilians are reporting shortages of medical personnel and lifesaving medical supplies.
“Fuel shortages for hospital generators as well as water and power cuts are also reportedly affecting the functionality of health facilities. There are disturbing reports of some health facilities being looted and others being used for military purposes.
“It is also reported that some hospitals are already closed, or on the brink of closure due to attacks, and a lack of medical personnel and medical supplies. The WHO calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law.
“Healthcare facilities and workers must never be a target, especially in a situation like this where there are thousands of civilians who need access to emergency care,” Ghebreyesus said.
The WHO boss called on all parties to ensure unrestricted and safe access to health facilities for those injured and everyone in need of medical care.
“WHO teams on the ground will continue to work closely with the partners and health authorities to try and fill gaps in the provision of health care, especially for trauma.
“I urge all sides to heed the calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, to silence the guns, and to work towards a peaceful resolution,” he added.
