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UN Health Body Warns of Enormous Health Crisis in Sudan

The conflict in Sudan has sparked a health crisis for the 3.4 million people forced to flee to safety, whether within the country or across its borders, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday July 28, 2023.

Cases of infectious diseases and other illness have been reported among the displaced population who have sought shelter in hard-to-reach locations, where health services are limited. "The scale of the health crisis is enormous. We are working hard to step up our response, delivering critical medical and other emergency health supplies," said Dr. Nima Saeed Abid, WHO Representative in Sudan, speaking during a virtual press conference.

As the health crisis mounts, analysts say a spat between Sudan and Kenya is hurting regional efforts to mediate an end to the conflict, Voice of America reports. A Sudanese general has accused Kenyan President William Ruto of favouring the paramilitary forces battling the Sudanese army, after Ruto suggested deploying East African peacekeeping troops to Sudan.

In a new analysis of the situation in Sudan, the International Crisis Group (ICG) says concerted high-level efforts to urge key leaders on both sides to end the war through talks are needed. The ICG writes that "whether the two sides can find middle ground is an open question, but there is reason enough to test the proposition. The army's battlefield losses and besieged headquarters give it strong motivations to come to the table; likewise, the RSF's narrow base of support, abysmal standing at home and abroad, and the steep odds of taking all of Sudan by force have long meant that, even if it comes out on top militarily, it needs a negotiated settlement," the ICG writes.

Ayin Media/African Arguments

Geneina in Sudan in April 2023.

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