The World Health Organization chief urged unrestricted access to all areas of Sudan to restore healthcare services.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke on Tuesday in Geneva, warning that Sudan’s civil war, now over 1,000 days, has devastated the nation.
“Almost three years of continuous violence have turned Sudan into the worst humanitarian crisis globally,” he said at a press briefing.
He estimated 33.7 million people will need humanitarian aid this year, with 13.6 million displaced, the world’s largest displacement crisis.
Tedros highlighted poor living conditions, overcrowding, unsafe water, and broken immunization systems as drivers of disease outbreaks across Sudan.
The WHO is responding to cholera, dengue, malaria, and measles outbreaks, even as the country’s health system struggles to function.
“Just when the people of Sudan need it most, health services have been severely damaged by attacks and resource shortages,” he said.
He added that more than one-third of health facilities remain non-functional despite ongoing restoration efforts and international support.
Tedros called for the protection of civilians, patients, and humanitarian workers, urging all parties involved to end the violent conflict.
“As always, the best medicine is peace,” he concluded, stressing that stability is essential to save lives and restore health services.
The conflict, ongoing since April 2023 between the General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army and Rapid Support Forces, has killed thousands and displaced millions nationwide.
