In brief
As conflict rages in Sudan, the courageous efforts of healthcare workers in el-Fasher reveal their determination to provide critical medical care against the looming threats of violence and bombardments.
Dr. Mustafa Ali Abdulrahman Ibo and his colleagues at the only functioning hospital in el-Fasher, Sudan, are facing unprecedented challenges as they operate under constant threat from nearby shelling. Over nine months of conflict have turned the hospital into a battleground, constantly recording casualties among patients and staff. According to Dr. Ibo, the hospital has seen a worrying spike in deaths and injuries, with recent shelling incidents forcing them to adapt their practices in horrendous conditions.“One day, while we were performing an emergency caesarean section, shell explosions rocked the maternity ward. One strike nearly hit us, knocking out power and engulfing us in darkness,” reported Dr. Ibo, a resident of el-Fasher since 2011. In a moment of dread, he and his surgical team were pushed to use their mobile phone torches to complete the operation amid the chaos.Dr. Khatab Mohammed, who assisted in the surgery, recounted how they struggled to maintain hygiene in such conditions. “We had no choice but to change into clean gowns as dust and debris filled the room around us. The patient needed our urgent care, and we couldn't stop,” he explained. After successfully delivering a newborn, the surgical team captured a group photo, a bittersweet memory forged under dire circumstances, as Dr. Mohammed admitted, “it might be our last photo.”Despite the dire situation, many medical professionals in el-Fasher opted to remain when conflict erupted in April 2023. The civil war has led to horrific humanitarian consequences, displacing over 12 million people, while ongoing attacks have left only the Saudi Hospital operational in the city, which is now responsible for a wide range of medical cases including trauma from recent violence.The paramilitary forces have besieged el-Fasher, limiting access to critical supplies and assistance as other hospitals shut down under attack. With their services rapidly strained, hospital staff, including young doctors and nurses, continue to push through, even as they encounter heartbreak in a city increasingly devoid of life.In addition to managing their hospital's patient load, the team attends to those at a nearby refugee camp, where residents face starvation and violence. “Every day we witness scenes that no one should see – but we cannot turn our backs. This city is our home,” affirmed Dr. Ibo.Aid organizations have raised alarms that a humanitarian disaster is unfolding, especially in maternal and child health care. The World Health Organization has called for both sides to respect medical facilities and abide by international humanitarian law.As support dwindles, resilience merges with despair among the medical staff. "We do what we can, from the shelter of our hospital to the open air or under trees; our goal is clarity and care for those who need it most,” Dr. Ibo stated. With many medics opting to remain despite the perils, Dr. Mohammed shared hope amidst adversity, echoing their commitment to witnessing peace return to their beloved Sudan.
