Biological Lab Seized in Sudan, WHO Says "High Risk of Biological Hazard"

The World Health Organization said there is a “high risk of biological hazard” in Sudan after one of the rival factions seized a lab in Khartoum.

The national public laboratory reportedly held samples of diseases such as polio, measles, cholera and other dangerous pathogens.

Nima Saeed Abid, the WHO’s representative in Sudan, said technicians were unable to secure the materials before troops took control of the laboratory.

The troops reportedly “kicked out all the technicians from the lab,” according to Abid.

It’s unclear which faction seized the lab.

BREAKING 🚨 ‘Huge biological risk’ after Sudan fighters occupy lab: WHO

READ: https://t.co/XqOLLz9Z2I pic.twitter.com/079JLFucdz

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) April 25, 2023

#Sudan: 'High bio-hazard risk' in Sudan after laboratory seized, #WHO says

*There is a "high risk of biological hazard" in the Sudanese capital Khartoum after one of the warring parties seized a laboratory holding measles and cholera pathogens and other hazardous materials… pic.twitter.com/munTWEmgTb

— Addis Standard (@addisstandard) April 25, 2023

From Reuters:

Speaking to reporters in Geneva via video link from Sudan, the WHO’s representative in the country, Nima Saeed Abid, said technicians were unable to gain access to the National Public Health 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, declining to specify which side had seized the facility.

Fighting erupted between the Sudanese armed forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries on April 15 and has killed at least 459 people and injured 4,072, according to the WHO’s latest figures. Abid said this was an undercount, adding that he had seen two bodies in the street himself in recent days.

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.

Abid said he was transferred from Khartoum to Port Sudan on Monday as part of a large convoy that drove for 30 hours through the desert.

The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) has been forced to cut back on some of its activities in parts of Sudan due to intense fighting.

Here’s more info about the Sudan conflict and what the mainstream media refuses to discuss.