WHO Warns ‘Huge Biological Risk’ Threatens Public Health After Sudan Fighters Occupy Lab Carrying Deadly Diseases

The World Health Organization has issued a dire warning about the public health risks posed by the occupation of a central national laboratory in Sudan by fighters amidst ongoing conflict. The laboratory contains samples of deadly diseases, including polio and cholera, and the WHO has described the situation as “extremely, extremely dangerous”. The laboratory is now under the control of one of the warring factions, which has kicked out all technicians and is using the facility as a military base. The WHO has also warned of the high risk of chemical and bio-hazards due to a lack of functioning generators. The situation has arisen amidst a power struggle that some fear could lead to a full-blown civil war. The Sudanese health ministry has reported at least 459 deaths and over 4,000 injuries. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is preparing for approximately 270,000 people to flee Sudan into neighboring countries. The Biden administration has defended its decision to evacuate embassy personnel from Sudan while taking limited steps to aid the thousands of Americans thought to still be in the country.