At least 933 killed in 2025 attacks on Sudan hospitals and health workers, says Save the Children

At least 933 killed in 2025 attacks on Sudan hospitals and health workers, says Save the Children

The humanitarian organisation said the number of deaths linked to attacks on healthcare had risen sharply in 2025, with the current toll nearly 60 times higher than the same period last year.

At least 933 people, including children and health workers, have been killed in Sudan so far this year in violent attacks on hospitals, clinics, and ambulances, according to Save the Children.

The humanitarian organisation said the number of deaths linked to attacks on healthcare had risen sharply in 2025, with the current toll nearly 60 times higher than the same period last year.

Citing data from the World Health Organisation, Save the Children reported that these attacks took place in at least 38 separate incidents between January and June.

More than 148 people were also injured, nearly triple the number injured over the same period in 2024.

The organisation said the rise in violence had worsened Sudan’s already fragile health system.

The aftermath of drone and artillery fire exchange between the Sudanese army and RSF across the country's Kordofan region on June 9, 2025. (Photo: Sudan Tribune)

No lifesaving services

With 80 per cent of hospitals no longer functioning and medical supply warehouses looted, millions of people cannot access lifesaving services.

At least 30.4 million people, half of Sudan’s population, are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.

“Healthcare workers should never have to worry about their safety while providing health services, and patients should never have to look over their shoulders while seeking care in hospitals," said Francesco Lanino, the Deputy Country Director of Programmes and Operations for Save the Children in Sudan..

He said the number of people killed and injured in direct attacks on healthcare this year was alarmingly high, but warned that the greatest danger was families and children choosing not to seek hospital care when in need, instead turning to unsafe traditional methods.

A child receives oral cholera vaccine. Sudan faces fast-spreading cholera outbreak with over 1,000 daily cases in Khartoum. (Photo: Ella Glass/Medair)

Cholera outbreak

Attacks on healthcare facilities and workers have intensified as the country struggles with a worsening cholera outbreak, which has led to 80,000 confirmed cases, over 1,000 of them children under five, and more than 2,000 deaths nationwide since the outbreak was declared two months ago.

One of the deadliest recent attacks took place at Al-Mujlad Hospital in West Kordofan, where more than 40 people, including six children and five health workers, were killed.

In another incident earlier this year, four children receiving emergency treatment were killed when the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, came under attack.

“We are concerned that in most cases, the hospitals that have come under fire also happen to be the only remaining hospitals in those areas, putting healthcare out of reach for millions, including displaced people,” Lanino said.

Reader Comments

Trending

Latest Stories

Popular Stories This Week

Stay ahead of the news! Click ‘Yes, Thanks’ to receive breaking stories and exclusive updates directly to your device. Be the first to know what’s happening.