The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of health workers reportedly being held in south-western Sudan, as concern grows over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.

According to the WHO, more than 70 health workers are believed to be among about 5 000 civilians detained in the city of Nyala, which is under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The information was provided by the Sudan Doctors Network.

Tedros said reports indicate that detainees are being kept in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions, with outbreaks of disease already emerging. He added that the WHO is working to verify further details, noting that access remains severely constrained by ongoing insecurity.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has also weighed in, urging an immediate ceasefire and calling on all parties to take steps to prevent further atrocities as the conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians.

–ChannelAfrica–