Sudan Crisis: WHO Warns Of 'Hugh Biological Risk' After Fighters Seize Laboratory

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Monday that the conflict in Sudan could engulf the whole region and beyond. 

Smoke rises during clashes between Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum, Sudan.

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New Delhi: Amid large-scale violence in Sudan, the World Health Organization on Tuesday warned of a “huge biological risk” after Sudanese fighters seized the National Public Health Laboratory in the capital Khartoum that holds measles and cholera pathogens and other hazardous materials, reported Reuters.

The WHO's representative in Sudan, Nima Saeed Abid, addressed reporters in Geneva through a video call and said that technicians were unable to gain access to the laboratory to secure 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.

For over 10 days, the Sudanese army and a paramilitary group have been engaged in bloody combat over a proposed timeline for handing over power to a civilian government, killing at least 459 people and injuring 4,072, according to the WHO's latest figures.

The clashes have paralysed hospitals and other essential services, and left many stranded in their homes with dwindling supplies of food and water. The WHO has reported 14 attacks on health facilities since the clashes began and is relocating its staff to safety.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Monday that the conflict in Sudan could engulf the whole region and beyond. 

"The violence must stop. It risks a catastrophic conflagration within Sudan that could engulf the whole region and beyond," he warned. 

"I strongly condemn the indiscriminate bombardment of civilian areas, including health care facilities. I call on the parties to stop combat operations in densely populated areas and to allow unhindered humanitarian aid operations. Civilians must be able to access food, water and other essential supplies, and evacuate from combat zones," said Guterres.

The war began in 2021, when a coup between Sudan's military chief and his deputy on the ruling council erupted, destabilising a plan for a civilian democracy following the demise of longstanding tyrant Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Elections were scheduled to take place before the end of 2023.