‘High bio-hazard risk’ in Sudan after laboratory seized, WHO says

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization warned of a “high risk of biological hazard” in Khartoum after one of the fighting sides seized a laboratory with measles, cholera, and other infections.

The WHO’s Nima Saeed Abid told Geneva reporters via video link from Sudan that technicians couldn’t reach the National Public Health Laboratory to protect the materials.

“This is the main concern: no accessibility to the lab technicians to go to the lab and safely contain the biological material and substances available,” he said, omitting to say who had taken the facility.

On April 15, Sudanese armed troops and Rapid Support troops (RSF) paramilitaries began fighting, killing at least 459 and injuring 4,072, according to the WHO.

The conflicts have crippled hospitals and other key services and left many isolated in their homes with depleting food and water.

Due to heavy violence in Sudan, the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) has had to reduce its efforts.

The International Organization for Migration and the World Food Programme, which lost humanitarian employees, have ceased operations.

“In areas where intense fighting has hampered our humanitarian operations, we have been forced to reduce our footprint,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. “But we are committed to continue delivering for the people of Sudan.”

After Khartoum, an OCHA team would lead humanitarian efforts from Port Sudan.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Regional Director for Africa, Patrick Youssef, urged other governments to persuade Sudan to find a “long-lasting solution” even after foreigners were evacuated.