[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

April 16, 2023 

MedGlobal and its partner organization, the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA), express grave concerns over the recent escalation of violence in Sudan, which poses a significant threat to the already dire humanitarian crisis affecting over 15 million people due to food shortages and inflation. We demand an immediate end to hostilities and call upon all parties to prioritize the safety of civilians.

The MedGlobal team and medical staff on the ground in Khartoum and Ghadaref are safe and continue to follow the situation closely. Given the increase in violence MedGlobal and SAPA share concerns about the impact, “We are gravely concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians, healthcare personnel, and healthcare facilities now at risk due to the ongoing conflict,” said Dr. Yaser Al-Amine, the president of SAPA. At least 83 civilians have been killed, and 1126 have been injured in the conflict, including one doctor, according to the World Health Organization.

Hospitals are running out of medical supplies and medications, patients and medical professionals are trapped in hospitals due to the fighting and blockade of roads. The MedGlobal team in Sudan has been in contact with a critical health facility that was trapped in the middle of the clashes between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces. Thankfully, staff, patients and their families were evacuated on Sunday. 

“We appeal to the US administration and the international community to pressure both parties to stop the fighting before things spiral out of control. Sudan is a fragile country. A developing humanitarian crisis may cause a large internal and external displacement of the population, cause more suffering, and impact neighboring countries,” said Dr. Zaher Sahloul, the president of MedGlobal.   

MedGlobal and SAPA appeal to all parties to declare a ceasefire, adhere to international humanitarian law, refrain from any actions that may further endanger the lives of civilians and medical personnel, allow for the evacuation of civilians, the delivery of aid, including medical supplies and personnel, to reach those in need, and ensure the protection and safety of healthcare personnel, patients, and medical facilities. The current situation requires a coordinated effort to deliver life-saving support to affected communities.

We urge the US administration, regional and influencing powers, and the UN to actively support these calls for peace, healthcare personnel and facilities protection, and respect for human rights and international law.

Since 2017, MedGlobal, in partnership with local partners, has been working in Sudan, providing emergency response; rehabilitating hospitals, building vital health infrastructure such as oxygen generators, providing medical technology and equipment, responding to floods and natural disasters, and providing healthcare to refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea, and other African countries in eastern Sudan.

MedGlobal is an international medical NGO that provides emergency response, sustainable health programs, and supports resilient health systems in partnership with communities in disaster regions and low income countries.

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Please contact Katey Mishler at [email protected] or 865-335-3988 to arrange an interview with the MedGlobal team.

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