We are deeply saddened by the events unfolding in Sudan. As an organisation dedicated to improving healthcare across the world, we stand in solidarity with the people and health professional community of Sudan and we hope for a swift cessation of this violence and breakdown of civil order.

RCSI has a long tradition of supporting surgery in Sudan going back at least to the 1960s. Sudan is one of the member countries of COSECSA with whom we have been working for 15 years. Further, we acknowledge and deeply appreciate the contribution that Sudanese healthcare workers have made in Ireland.

We recognise the dedication and bravery of the medical professionals and health organisations working at this difficult time. We stand in admiration of colleagues in Sudan, for continuing to deliver care to the people of Sudan, despite the very significant risks to their personal safety and the severe challenges they face. There are a significant number of healthcare professionals of Sudanese origin working throughout Ireland, many of whom are RCSI Fellows and Members. They, with their families, face challenging circumstances, and we offer them our solidarity and support.

To our Sudanese students studying at RCSI, we offer them our support at this challenging time. The RCSI CoMPPAS Student Assistance Programme (CSAP) offers a 24/7 counselling and advice service:

• By phone: Freephone 1800 851 340 or WhatsApp – text ‘Hi’ to 087 369 0010.
• Students can access the CSAP online

In keeping with the principle of medical neutrality, which is fundamental to international humanitarian law, we urge all parties to the conflict to recognise their moral obligation to ensure that healthcare personnel can freely deliver patient care – including to those injured during hostilities – without threat of violence, aggression, or interruption.