Sudanese fighters have seized the National Public Health Laboratory in the capital Khartoum. Following this, the World Health Organization warned f a “huge biological risk”.
The announcement came as officials warned that more refugees could flee Sudan despite a cease-fire between rival forces.
The fighting has plunged Sudan into chaos, pushing the already heavily aid-dependent African nation to the brink of collapse.
Before the clashes, the U.N. estimated that a third of Sudan's population or about 16 million people needed assistance, a figure that is likely to increase.
Despite a 72-hour truce in place, fighting between the military and the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) continued. Both sides accused each other of violating the agreement.
The lab seized by the RSF contains samples of diseases and other biological material. Dr Nima Saeed Abid, the World Health Organisation's representative in Sudan told PTI that they have polio, cholera and measles isolates in the lab, which makes the situation precarious.
“The expulsion of technicians and power cuts in Khartoum means it is not possible to properly manage the biological materials that are stored in the lab for medical purposes," WHO said. “Trained laboratory technicians no longer have access to the laboratory,” the organisation added.
--With PTI inputs
