Sudanese doctors came out on the streets in Khartoum on Sunday to protest against attacks by security forces against medical personnel and doctors during pro-democracy rallies that have continued since the October military takeover, claiming the lives of 64 protesters so far, reported CGTN Africa.
The October 25 coup led by military leader General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan delayed a transition to civilian rule. The coup, which overthrew the civilian-led government of Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdo, sparked an international outcry and triggered a wave of street demonstrations.
The military reinstated Hamdok on November 21 in a deal that called for an independent technocratic cabinet.
The pro-democracy movement slammed the ruling junta’s deal and continues to demand the handover of the power to a fully civilian government. Hamdok resigned from his post earlier this month, citing disagreements with the military rulers and the slow pace of reforms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that there have been 11 attacks on healthcare workers and Sudanese medical facilities since November.
“Most of these attacks were committed against health care workers in the form of physical assault, obstruction, violent searches, and related psychological threats and intimidation,” the WHO said in a statement released on Tuesday.
It added that the WHO is also aware of the interception of ambulances, medical personnel, and patients during their attempts to seek safety.
The UN health body called for the attacks to stop, saying they violate international humanitarian law and restrict patients’ access to health care, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WHO claims that COVID-19 is a grave threat for Sudan, where 94 percent of the population has not been vaccinated.
The Sudanese health authorities have reported 93,973 coronavirus infections and about 4,000 deaths so far.64 percent of about 1,000 health workers were tested positive for coornavirus in September.
