Dr Tedros, who said el-Daein Teaching Hospital was no longer able to function following Friday night’s attack, condemned the frequent targeting of medical facilities.
“Over the nearly three-year conflict, WHO has confirmed that 2,036 people have been killed in 213 attacks on health care, including Friday night’s strike,” the WHO chief said in his tweet, external.
“The time has come to de-escalate the conflict in Sudan and ensure the protection of civilians, health workers, and humanitarians,” he said.
“Health care should never be a target. Peace is the best medicine.”
In a statement, the RSF said the strike had completely destroyed the hospital’s top floor, caused extensive damage to the accident and emergency department and destroyed vital medical equipment.
In response, the military said it was surprised by the accusation it was behind the attack, adding that it abided by “international norms and laws”.
The Emergency Lawyers group has called for an independent and transparent investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The local rights organisation, which has documented atrocities by both the army and the RSF throughout the war, said the hospital in el-Daein was a vital health facility relied upon by thousands of civilians in the city and surrounding villages.