Since April 2023, Sudanese medics, particularly women, have faced harrowing choices between their families and patients amid ongoing conflict. Dr. Safaa Ali exemplifies this sacrifice as one of the few obstetricians remaining in Khartoum. Despite severe shortages and dangers in hospitals, healthcare workers like Bothaina Abdelrahman and Khansa al-Moatasem continue to serve their community valiantly. The situation reveals a broader crisis in healthcare access throughout Sudan as violence escalates.
Since fighting erupted in Sudan’s capital Khartoum in April 2023, many medical professionals have faced dire choices between their families and their duties. Dr. Safaa Ali, one of the few remaining obstetricians, made the difficult decision to remain and serve her patients, having not seen her family since. \n\nDespite the ongoing conflict, she and other medics draw strength from their commitment to their profession and their country, working tirelessly in war-damaged facilities. They confront daily dangers, including bombings and loss of colleagues. \n\nBothaina Abdelrahman, a janitor at Al-Nao Hospital, emphasizes her commitment, commuting four hours daily to continue her essential work without missing a day since the conflict began. Health professionals routinely face accusations and violence, with the situation deteriorating markedly; reports indicate a staggering 90% of hospitals in conflict zones are non-operational. \n\nDr. Khalid Abdelsalam from Doctors Without Borders cites significant assaults on health workers, noting many have been killed or kidnapped since the war’s inception. At Al-Nao Hospital, staffed predominantly by women, Khansa al-Moatasem and her nursing team have endured direct attacks yet continue their vital operations. \n\nDr. Ali’s efforts at the hospital faced extreme challenges, including targeted assaults that caused casualties and infrastructure collapse. After the Saudi maternity hospital was forced to shut, she established mobile clinics to continue providing care until the facility partially reopened. \n\nAlthough some areas have seen a return to normalcy, attacks on hospitals, such as recent shellings in February 2024, remain common. Al-Buluk Hospital has relied heavily on the dedication of younger volunteers, with Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed stepping in to train new teams and support overwhelmed staff. The complexity of their work, amid the struggles of war, has turned into a significant period in their careers as they serve their community with resilience and commitment.
In conclusion, the women medics of Sudan exemplify extraordinary dedication amidst a chaotic and dangerous landscape. Their relentless commitment to medical care under the threat of violence represents both personal sacrifice and profound patriotism. As they battle against the odds, these health professionals demonstrate the endurance and strength of the human spirit, shielding the health of their communities against the ravages of war.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
