Aid groups warn of attacks on Sudan's hospitals as disease outbreaks and atrocities mount
Doctors without Borders — also known as Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF — said Thursday that 70% of medical facilities in Sudan have either closed or are barely operational with no end to the war in sight.
Sudan's civil war broke out in April 2023 after simmering tensions between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), escalated to fighting across the country. Some 40,000 people have been killed and nearly 13 million displaced, including to other countries, according to U.N. agencies. War has left many facing food insecurity and risk of famine and exposure to disease outbreaks like cholera, which remains hard to contain due to Sudan's collapsed healthcare system.
In a report released Thursday titled 'Besieged, Attacked, Starved', MSF warned that access to healthcare is nearly impossible due to systematic attacks, while the remaining operational facilities remain under constant threat.
'We call to all warring parties to stop violence against the civilian health facilities and civilian infrastructure and to facilitate a large-scale humanitarian response,' said Michel-Olivier Lacharité, MSF's head of emergency operations in a news conference presenting the report.
Echoing MSF's concerns, Save the Children, warned Thursday that attacks on hospitals nearly tripled after two years of war. The group said in a statement that at least 933 people, including children, were killed during the first half of 2025.
This figure is a 60-fold increase over the deaths recorded during the same period of the previous year, according to the group. Those killed were either seeking medical care or accompanying a loved one in a hospital.
Major hospitals, clinics, health facilities, ambulances and medical convoys all saw fatal attacks in a country where half the population requires humanitarian assistance, according to Save the Children.
'We are concerned that in most cases, the hospitals that have come under fire also happen to be the only remaining hospitals in those areas, putting healthcare out of reach for millions, including displaced people,' said Francesco Lanino, deputy country director of programs and operations for Save the Children in Sudan.
MSF particularly warned against violence in El Fasher city, the capital of North Darfur province, that made it near impossible for residents there and nearby displacement camps to access healthcare.
As of April, only one hospital with surgical capacity remained partially operational, serving an estimated population of over one million. Over the past year, many patients and their caretakers have been killed while inside an MSF-supported medical facility.
MSF urged the warring parties to 'halt indiscriminate and ethnically targeted violence and facilitate an immediate large-scale humanitarian response', particularly referring to threats of attacks on the hundreds of thousands of people in El Fasher, where fighting intensified since May 2024.
Last month, Sudan's military accepted a U.N. proposal for a week-long ceasefire in El Fasher to allow aid delivery. However, the RSF did not explicitly agree to the truce and engaged in renewed clashes with the army in the southern part of the city this week.
MSF urged the international community — especially countries engaging with both the Sudanese army and the RSF — to take stronger action to address the crisis in Sudan.
'They must use all the leverage to prevent further mass atrocities. They must place protection of civilians at the core of their engagement with the warring parties,' said Christopher Lockyear, secretary general of MSF International, on Thursday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
10 minutes ago
- Medscape
Extra Pneumococcal Dose Can Save Lives in Care Homes
TOPLINE: An additional dose of a pneumococcal vaccine, either 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) or 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20), for new care home residents upon entry could prevent a substantially higher proportion of invasive pneumococcal disease cases and deaths per dose than the single-dose schedule for 65-year-olds, with the PCV20 vaccine demonstrating greater effectiveness over the PPV23 vaccine. METHODOLOGY: Researchers in England conducted an observational surveillance study to evaluate the effect of administering an additional dose of a pneumococcal vaccine, either PPV23 or PCV20, at admission to new residents of older care homes, alongside the routine vaccination. Using national invasive pneumococcal disease surveillance and other data sources, they analysed 121,587 new care home residents (83,271 women and 38,316 men) to estimate the potential number of invasive pneumococcal disease cases and deaths averted over 5 years and calculated the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one vaccine-type case and one death. They compared these results with those of 603,109 individuals (aged 65 years) from the general population who had received a single vaccine dose. TAKEAWAY: PPV23 immunisation of all new care home residents would prevent 36% of PPV23-type lifetime cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (NNV, 687) and 48% of deaths (NNV, 1095). Similarly, PCV20 immunisation would prevent 75% of PCV20-type lifetime cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (NNV, 384) and 80% of deaths (NNV, 774). An additional dose of both vaccines could prevent five times more cases and 18 times more deaths than the current immunisation policy for adults aged 65 years. IN PRACTICE: "Protecting older adults, especially those in aged care facilities, from infectious diseases is necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality. Vaccination, including against pneumococcus, is an effective strategy to promote healthy ageing," the author of a commentary wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Fariyo Abdullahi, MSc, Immunisation and Vaccine Preventable Diseases, UK Health Security Agency, London, England. It was published online on July 01, 2025, in The Lancet Healthy Longevity. LIMITATIONS: The national dataset could not identify individuals in temporary or respite care, potentially leading to an undercount of care home residents. This study relied on invasive pneumococcal disease risk estimates from the older study, which may not have reflected current conditions in England. The NNV might be underestimated as frail residents are less likely to receive invasive investigations. DISCLOSURES: The Immunisation and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division provided vaccine manufacturers with postmarketing surveillance reports on pneumococcal and meningococcal infections, with cost recovery charges applied. One author reported performing contract research for pharmaceutical companies on behalf of St George's University of London and the UK Health Security Agency without personal remuneration. The other authors reported having no competing interests. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Health Line
24 minutes ago
- Health Line
All About Botox for Smile Lines
Botulinum toxin, or Botox, can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face, including smile lines. You typically need repeat treatments to maintain the results. Fast facts About Botox is a nonsurgical procedure that's used to smooth wrinkles by temporarily relaxing muscles. It can be done around the mouth to reduce the appearance of smile lines. The effects of the procedure typically last about 3 to 6 months. Safety Botox is generally considered safe with little downtime. Certain side effects can occur, and the procedure should always be performed by a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Side effects may include: redness swelling bruising pain in the mouth area numbness Always see a doctor if these side effects don't resolve within a week. Convenience Botox is a quick procedure with little downtime needed. You should be able to drive yourself home and possibly even return to work the same day, though you will need to avoid makeup and strenuous activity for 24 hours. Always find a reputable medical professional to perform the procedure. In some states, aestheticians are not allowed to administer Botox. Cost The cost of Botox will vary depending on how many units you need and where you live. Typically, you can expect the procedure to cost anywhere between $400 to $900 per session. Be wary of Botox treatments that seem inexpensive, as the technician may not be medically trained. Effectiveness Botox is an effective way to temporarily treat the appearance of smile lines, though it's not a permanent solution. The results of the treatment will typically last 3 to 6 months. To continue to see results, you'll need to get additional treatments every few months. What is Botox for smile lines? It's great to laugh a lot, but you may not find the accompanying wrinkles, sometimes called laugh or smile lines, very funny. Botox is used to smooth wrinkles, and injections around the mouth can reduce the appearance of smile lines. Botulinum toxin (aka Botox) is injected in small amounts around the mouth to freeze and relax the muscles. This smooths the look of wrinkles, since certain lines, known as dynamic wrinkles, are often caused by repeated muscle movement. The effects of the procedure typically last about 3 to 6 months. You can get Botox anywhere on your face. Anyone with smile lines or who wants to slow the appearance of smile lines, barring pregnant people or those with certain conditions, is a good candidate. How much does Botox for smile lines cost? The price of Botox will depend on exactly how many units you need and where you're having the procedure performed. In most cases, it will cost between $300 and $600, and to see the best results, this process should be repeated every 3 to 6 months. Because Botox is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, it's not likely to be covered by insurance. Smile lines, which can be caused by sun exposure, smoking, or just as part of the natural course of aging, are wrinkles of varying depths that appear around the corners of the mouth. As the name suggests, they may be more visible when you smile. Botox is a nonsurgical treatment that temporarily freezes or weakens the injected muscle. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will use a small needle to inject the substance into the facial muscles below your skin, and your wrinkles should be less visible within a few days. In some cases, Botox can also be used along with surgery to reduce the look of a gummy smile. Procedure for Botox for smile lines The procedure for Botox for smile lines will typically go as follows: You'll arrive at your appointment and fill out some basic medical paperwork. Since Botox will be injected in the facial area, you should be able to keep your clothes on. For sanitary reasons, you may be given a gown to put over your clothes. The doctor will clean your face and remove any makeup. They may then apply topical numbing cream or ice to the area. The practitioner will inject Botox directly into the muscles surrounding your mouth using a very narrow needle. You'll feel a prick and possibly a tingling sensation. The practitioner should go over aftercare instructions with you, and you can ask any questions. Targeted areas Botox has been tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the forehead and for crow's feet. In the lower face, the use of Botox is considered off-label. Botox for smile lines will treat the wrinkles around the mouth that can sometimes give it a downturned or frown appearance. Are there any risks or side effects? Botox is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal side effects, though they can occur. There's a slight risk of botulinum toxicity, which can occur in the rare case that the injection fluid spreads. If you have any breathing difficulty or trouble speaking, contact your doctor immediately. Minor side effects usually resolve themselves and can include: redness swelling bruising pain in the mouth area numbness headache drooling minor speech differences What to expect after Botox for smile lines Recovery for this procedure is generally pretty minimal. Here's what to expect after getting Botox for smile lines: You'll be able to resume most normal activities after the procedure, and you can drive yourself home or even return to work. Don't lie down on your face or touch the area for at least 4 hours after the procedure. Wait a full 24 hours before exercising or doing other strenuous activity. You may feel a slight stinging or tingling sensation that should subside within a few days. You'll start to see results within 3 to 6 days, with maximum results occurring about 14 days after the procedure. The results aren't permanent, and for the best results, you'll need to continue getting Botox treatments every 3 to 6 months. Before and after picture It can be helpful to see a before-and-after picture of real patients from your clinic to decide if getting Botox for smile lines is right for you. For example, this picture shows a woman before and after Botox injections at the Mabrie Facial Institute. Before getting Botox for smile lines, make sure you prepare accordingly by: meeting with your practitioner to discuss the procedure and exactly what they will do and what look you are trying to achieve sharing your medical history, any medications, and if you are pregnant or planning to be with your practitioner asking your practitioner what to avoid in the week before your appointment, which may include blood-thinning medication, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and even certain antioxidant-rich foods, which may make it more difficult for blood to clot wearing as little makeup as possible, and planning to avoid makeup and exercise after your appointment Botox vs. fillers for smile lines Botox and fillers are both injectables used to treat facial wrinkles. While Botox relaxes the muscles, fillers are used to fill and plump the skin. Botox is typically used for dynamic wrinkles created by muscle movement, like smile lines, crow's feet, or lines on the forehead. Fillers can plump the face in areas where static wrinkles caused by a loss of collagen are present. They also last longer, with some lasting up to 2 years before you need to get another treatment. Both procedures have risks, though fillers may be riskier and, in rare cases, can cause an allergic reaction.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Craig-Hallum Reiterates a Buy Rating on Clover Health Investments (CLOV), Sets a $6 PT
Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ:CLOV) is one of the 13 Stocks Under $5 With High Upside Potential. In a report released on May 7, Matt Hewitt from Craig-Hallum reiterated a Buy rating on Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ:CLOV) with a price target of $6.00. An older Medicare-eligible consumer smiling happily while receiving healthcare services at a clinic. The company reported notable fiscal Q1 2025 results that support this optimistic outlook, with Medicare Advantage membership for the quarter reaching 103,418, representing a 30% year-over-year increase. Total revenue for fiscal Q1 2025 rose 33% year-over-year to $462 million, while adjusted EBITDA reached $26 million, reflecting a significant 279% year-over-year rise. Adjusted net income also grew 322% year-over-year to $25 million. In addition, Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ:CLOV) reported a GAAP net loss of $1 million, compared to $19 million a year ago, suggesting a considerable improvement in its operations. Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ:CLOV) is a physician enablement technology company that offers Medicare Advantage plans in the United States. It offers PPO and HMO Medicare Advantage plans in several US states. While we acknowledge the potential of CLOV as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
