Sudan: UN relief official deplores killing of health workers in West Darfur

The top United Nations humanitarian official in Sudan today strongly condemned the killing of two Ministry of Health staff members who were part of a measles vaccination team in West Darfur.

“My deepest condolences go to the family and friends of those killed,” the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ali Al-Za’tari, said in a news release.

The victims in the attack, which reportedly took place on Monday, were a vaccinator and a driver.

“I call on all parties to ensure the protection of all personnel working to deliver assistance to populations in need throughout Sudan,” said Mr. Al-Za’tari.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are helping to ensure that every child in Sudan is getting vaccinated, whoever they are and wherever they live.

The nationwide measles vaccination campaign that began on 24 November is targeting about 15 million children, according to media reports.