Al Daein hospital strike in East Darfur kills at least 64, WHO reports

Al Daein hospital strike in East Darfur on March 22, 2026, has left at least 64 people dead, including 13 children, the World Health Organization said, adding that 89 others were injured and the facility is non-functional. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus posted the casualty figures on his X account and called for a reduction in hostilities that are worsening humanitarian conditions.

The incident struck the Al Daein Teaching Hospital late last week, according to WHO statements, and follows more than two years of open conflict that began in April 2023 between Sudan’s regular military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The RSF formally blamed the military for the attack. Military spokespeople denied responsibility; two serving military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strike had targeted a nearby police station.

The clash adds to mounting health-sector losses: WHO has documented over 2,000 deaths in attacks on medical facilities since the war began. United Nations casualty tallies place the conflict’s death toll at more than 40,000, a figure humanitarian organizations say likely underrepresents the true scale. With Al Daein Teaching Hospital rendered inoperative, local health services face further strain as aid groups and international health authorities urge immediate steps to protect medical personnel and civilians.