Statement: Attack on El- Daein Hospital in East Darfur

Port Sudan, March 23, 2026 – World Vision Sudan is appalled by the horrific drone attack on the Al-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur on the night of Friday, March 20. This strike caused the tragic deaths of at least 64 people, including 13 children and healthcare workers, with 90 others severely injured, according to the report by the Ministry of Health. As the primary referral hospital for the entire state, its destruction has rendered it completely non-functional, cutting off life-saving paediatric, maternity services, and healthcare for civilians.

The rising number of child casualties in Sudan is alarming. World Vision emphasises that children should never be targeted and must always be protected. As the country faces the world’s largest displacement crisis, an entire generation is pushed to the edge. Their right to safety and medical care is absolute and non-negotiable.

We call for the immediate protection of all civilians and an urgent cessation of attacks on critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities.

 All parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international law to ensure safe, sustained humanitarian access, enabling life-saving treatment for malnutrition and medical emergencies to reach those in need.

For media enquiries, contact:

Email: Grace Mavhezha, World Vision Sudan, Communications and Public Engagement Manager, grace_mavhezha@wvi.org