Ahmed Al-Manzari, the Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean at the World Health Organization (WHO), has highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Sudan’s Gezira state, leading to the suspension of the organization’s operations there.
He warned that the health conditions in Sudan are worsening amidst the conflict between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Army, stating that Sudan is “forgotten in the global conflict map.”
In his statement to the “Arab World News Agency,” Al-Manzari explained that since the conflict began nine months ago, especially in Khartoum and parts of Darfur, WHO used Gezira state, particularly Wad Madani city, as a logistical center, followed by other UN organizations.
He noted that Gezira state, housing about 500,000 citizens, 46% of whom are displaced from other areas, is considered the food basket of Sudan.
However, following the December 15th takeover of several areas in Gezira by the Rapid Support Forces, Al-Manzari reported on Friday that security has deteriorated and chaos has spread, threatening health institutions, workers, and international organizations.
“After the Rapid Support Forces’ attack on Gezira state and their control over several areas, a large number of citizens have been displaced, and unfortunately, the intensified conflict has made the area dangerous,” said Al-Manzari.
He mentioned that all operations of UN organizations have been halted since December 15th, with no entry or exit of concerned teams or specialists from UN organizations.
Al-Manzari warned of the impact of the security situation on the health system and service delivery, saying, “The current situation and the escalation of the conflict mean the displacement of hundreds of thousands and pose a threat to the health of millions.”
He added that nearly 3.5 million children under five are suffering from malnutrition, with over 700,000 experiencing severe malnutrition and approximately 106,000 children requiring care due to side effects of malnutrition.
Al-Manzari also confirmed the spread of infectious diseases like cholera, which has infected thousands and caused hundreds of deaths. Nearly 1.1 million cases of malaria and other diseases like hemorrhagic fever and measles are spreading among citizens, along with other diseases now endemic in the country.
He cautioned that the situation could worsen with the onset of the rainy season in Sudan.
The WHO official acknowledged that due to the fragile security system, services have stopped, diagnostic laboratories and surveillance teams have ceased operations, leading to the spread of diseases and threatening many citizens with various illnesses.
Al-Manzari pointed out that there are about 7.5 million displaced persons in Sudan, including about 6 million internally and 1.5 million outside Sudan, suffering from extremely difficult health conditions.
Regarding the timeline for the UN organization’s return to work in Gezira state, Al-Manzari stated, “It depends on our assessment of the security situation on the ground; it’s a comprehensive UN-level evaluation, not just by WHO. But clearly, the expanding circle of conflict prevents us from working under fire.”
The commander of the Rapid Support Forces had declared control over Wad Madani, the largest city in Sudan’s Gezira state, on December 19th.
Fighting between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces erupted in mid-April, following weeks of tension over plans to integrate the Rapid Support Forces into the army, as military and civilian parties were finalizing a internationally-supported political process.