Sudan’s capital Khartoum faces a “high risk of biohazard” after a warring side seized a lab containing measles and cholera agents and other hazardous materials, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday. health (WHO).
Speaking to reporters in Geneva via video link from Sudan, the country’s WHO representative, Nima Saeed Abid, said technicians were unable to access the National Public Health Laboratory to secure the equipment.
“That’s the main problem: the lack of access for lab technicians to enter the lab and ensure the security of the materials and biological substances that are there,” he said, declining to elaborate. which side took over the facility.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began on April 15, leaving at least 459 dead and 4,072 injured, according to the latest WHO figures. Abid said that was an underestimate.
The clashes have paralyzed hospitals and other essential services, and many people lack food and water. The WHO has reported 14 attacks on medical facilities since the clashes began and is moving its staff to safety.
Khartoum, April 20, 2023
Abid said he was transported from Khartoum to Port Sudan on Monday as part of a large convoy that traveled 30 hours through the desert.
The United Nations Humanitarian Office (OCHA) has been forced to reduce some of its activities in parts of Sudan due to intense fighting.
At least five aid workers have died since the fighting began and two United Nations agencies that have lost staff – the International Organization for Migration and the World Food Program – have suspended operations.
“In areas where intense fighting is hampering our humanitarian operations, we have been forced to reduce our presence,” said OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke. “But we intend to continue to help the people of Sudan.”
Patrick Youssef, regional director for Africa of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), urged other countries to continue to pressure Sudan to find a “long-term solution” even after the evacuation of foreigners.
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