Sudan Commits to‍ Facilitating WHO’s Humanitarian Aid Mission

The Director General of ‍the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom, ​met with the President of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, to discuss‌ the country’s humanitarian crisis.

Sudan has been plagued by flooding, ⁣disease, and famine⁤ due to the ongoing war between⁢ the army and the Rapid Aid Forces since April⁢ 2023. The ⁢conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and approximately 10 million displaced and refugees, according to the ⁢United Nations.

WHO’s Mission to⁣ Sudan

During his⁢ two-day visit to⁤ Sudan, Adhanom met with Al-Burhan in the city of Port Sudan on ‌the coast of the Red Sea. The ‍meeting was‌ described as⁣ “fruitful ⁤and constructive”⁣ by Adhanom, who stated that Al-Burhan confirmed Sudan’s commitment ‌to facilitating the WHO’s mission.

The WHO aims to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. Al-Burhan agreed‍ to allow the organization to use Merowe Airport‍ and other airports to deliver essential supplies to⁢ citizens.

Humanitarian Response

The Director of the‌ WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean⁤ Region, Hanan Hassan Balkhi, emphasized ⁤the need for a swift response to the humanitarian needs of citizens affected by the conflict. The organization plans ​to work with the regional office⁢ to rehabilitate damaged hospitals and provide financial and⁣ technical support to health institutions.

The WHO’s efforts ‍are crucial in alleviating the humanitarian and ​health difficulties faced by millions ‌of people across ⁣Sudan, including insecurity,⁢ mass displacement, floods, famine, and disease outbreaks.

International Calls for Action

The⁢ United Nations and international community are increasingly calling for an end to‌ the war in Sudan to⁢ prevent a humanitarian disaster. The conflict ⁣has already pushed millions into starvation ⁤and‍ death ‍due⁤ to food shortages, with fighting spreading to⁤ 13 out of 18 states.