Call for Cherishing Sudan’s Health Care

Export This commentary presents a multumin parvo call to appreciate healthcare providers and healthcare facilities in Sudan. We argue that junta attacks on the healthcare system and humanitarian campaigns during the war are due to their lack of knowledge and training pertaining to the respect of international human rights and international humanitarian law. The first public hospital in Sudan witnessed the shooting-to-death of a doctor in 1924. The shelling of the Egyptian Army Medical Officers’ quarters and mess by British troops’ howitzers was the first attack against healthcare facilities in the country. During the 2019 revolution and beyond, hospitals have become targets of attack by the junta, while demonstrators seek refuge in their premises. During 2023, hundreds of attacks on healthcare facilities have been documented by independent organizations. The escalation of violence against the healthcare sector is triggered by the underreporting of incidents and impunity of aggressors. Financial, administrative, and legislative resources should be employed to protect healthcare facilities and healthcare manpower. The impunity toward aggression and violence against the healthcare sector must end. Military personnel who violate international human rights and international humanitarian law should be punished. Recognition and respect for the provisions of these laws should be mandated as an integral part of their military academic training.