World News Summary: Fatal Strikes in Sudan, South Sudan’s Health System on the Edge, Guterres Urges Unity Before Ramadan.

In the past week, North Kordofan state experienced over a dozen attacks around the towns of El Obeid, Bara, Rahad, and Um Rawaba. 

In South Kordofan, suspected drone strikes targeted health facilities in Kadugli and Kuweik town, reportedly killing four medical workers and injuring over 20 individuals. 

Concerns about the conflict have grown following a report from the UN Human Rights Office indicating “sustained” and “systematic attacks” on civilians in Darfur in late 2025, possibly constituting crimes against humanity. 

Increasing humanitarian concerns 

“The violence is causing a new wave of displacement, with many fleeing homes and needing food, healthcare, and protection,” warned the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric on Friday. 

As the humanitarian situation in Dilling and Kadugli deteriorates, he emphasized that “rapid, safe, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access is crucial for scaling up our response.” 

Drone strikes have affected commercial vehicles, telecommunications infrastructure, and key transport routes, disrupting humanitarian efforts and supply chains. 

Mr. Dujarric called for “the protection of humanitarian infrastructure, in line with international humanitarian law” and urged more funding through the UN aid coordination office OCHA to support displaced families across Sudan. 

Escalating violence strains South Sudan’s health system 

Since late December 2025, violence has surged in northern and central South Sudan, the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) reported on Friday. 

In Jonglei state alone, at least 280,000 people have been displaced, mostly women and children.

“They fled with nothing and are staying in displacement camps or remote areas without any services,” said UNICEF’s representative in South Sudan, Obia Acheng. 

Children make up 53 percent of the displaced population.

“These children face threats such as killing, being maimed, recruitment into armed groups, family separation, gender-based violence, and lasting psychological distress,” Mr. Acheng emphasized.

Efforts for children

South Sudan’s health system is nearing collapse, with 11 health facilities attacked or looted and nutrition centers forced to close, UNICEF stated.

Cholera cases have risen to 479 nationwide, overwhelming treatment centers with dwindling resources.

Around 825,000 children in Jonglei, Unity, and Eastern Equatoria are at risk of acute malnutrition, conditions that increase the likelihood of death without treatment by 12 times.

Pregnant and nursing mothers have limited access to care, and humanitarian infrastructure is under threat.

Despite challenges, UNICEF continues to provide healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation, and child protection programs across the country. 

The UN Security Council expressed deep concern about the rising violence in Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, and throughout South Sudan. 

Members urged all parties to de-escalate, cease hostilities immediately, and resolve issues through peaceful dialogue.  

UN chief calls for unity and compassion ahead of Ramadan 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged people worldwide to embrace peace, compassion, and solidarity as Muslims prepare for Ramadan.  

“For Muslims, Ramadan is a sacred period of reflection and prayer, representing hope and peace,”