CARE International condemns attack on hospital in Darfur that left dozens dead and wounded

March 24, 2026 (PEN) CARE International expressed its shock and deep concern over a drone attack that targeted Al-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur on the night of March 20, 2026, killing at least 64 people and injuring about 90 others.

The organization explained that it has been supporting the hospital since 2015, operating a pediatric ward and a maternity ward, as well as a stabilization center that treats children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. It confirmed that none of its staff were present at the site at the time of the attack, and that all employees were safe.

According to the organization, the destruction of the hospital, which is the main referral facility in the state, has rendered it completely out of service, depriving hundreds of thousands of civilians of vital medical services.

Kerr indicated that the attack was the second drone strike in Al-Daein in two weeks, as part of a broader escalation targeting civilian infrastructure and health facilities in recent times, and considered it a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

According to the organization, 12 attacks on the health sector have been recorded since the beginning of the year, resulting in the death of 114 people and the injury of 148 others, exposing civilians, patients and humanitarian workers to great risks and undermining access to basic services.

She noted that she is coordinating with her partners to identify alternative health facilities to receive patients, at a time when the health system in Sudan is under severe pressure, as about 80% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas have been closed, while operating facilities are facing a severe shortage of medical personnel, medicines and basic supplies.