Devastating Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in North Darfur's El Fasher

Fierce conflict and hostilities in North Darfur's El Fasher have turned the region into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, where hospitals are being attacked, civilians are being killed, and people are struggling with extreme hunger, disease, and a lack of access to basic necessities like clean water and medical care. The situation is particularly dire for children, women, and unaccompanied minors, who are in urgent need of shelter, protection, food, water, and healthcare. The rapid spread of cholera and other infectious diseases is a looming threat, exacerbated by the lack of access to safe water and the increasing number of internally displaced persons.

Key Takeaways:

• On 26 October, the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher was attacked for the fourth time in a month, killing one nurse and injuring three other health workers.
• Six health workers, including four doctors, a nurse, and a pharmacist, were abducted on 28 October.
• Since the conflict began, 46 health workers have been killed in El Fasher, and another 48 injured.
• Over 260,000 people are trapped in El Fasher, with no access to food, clean water, or medical care.
• Escalating violence has forced about 28,000 people to flee El Fasher Town in recent days, with 26,000 of them fleeing to rural areas of El Fasher and 2,000 to Tawila.
• Cholera continues to spread rapidly in El Fasher, with 272 suspected cases and 32 deaths reported this year alone, a case fatality rate of nearly 12%.
• Across Darfur, 18,468 cases and 662 deaths have been recorded in 40 localities.
• El Fasher has been cut off from humanitarian aid since February 2025, and malnutrition is rising sharply, especially among children and pregnant women.

Statistics:

• At least 46 health workers have been killed in El Fasher since the conflict began.
• 48 health workers have been injured in El Fasher since the conflict began.
• Over 260,000 people are trapped in El Fasher with no access to food, clean water, or medical care.
• 28,000 people have fled El Fasher Town in recent days, with 26,000 of them fleeing to rural areas of El Fasher and 2,000 to Tawila.
• 272 suspected cholera cases have been reported in El Fasher this year alone.
• 32 deaths due to cholera have been reported in El Fasher this year alone.
• 18,468 cases and 662 deaths have been recorded in 40 localities across Darfur.
• El Fasher has been cut off from humanitarian aid since February 2025.

Sources:

• World Health Organisation (WHO) - "WHO condemns killings of patients and civilians amid escalating violence in El Fasher, Sudan"
• Contify.com - "WHO Condemns Killings of Patients and Civilians Amid Escalating Violence in El Fasher, Sudan"