Healthcare Workers’ Resilience Amidst War in Sudan
The conflict in Sudan has left healthcare workers like Dr. Safaa Ali facing tough choices and dangerous conditions. Many have risked their lives to provide care, including those at Al-Nao hospital, which has withstood attacks. The situation reveals a dire healthcare crisis, with significant losses among medical personnel and closures of facilities across the region. Still, dedicated professionals are finding ways to continue their work amidst the devastation.
In Omdurman, Sudan, where conflict has raged since April 2023, Dr. Safaa Ali made the heart-wrenching decision to remain with her patients rather than flee to Egypt with her family. As one of the last obstetricians in the war-torn capital, she is committed to providing safe childbirth for Sudanese women amidst the devastation. Dr. Ali embodies resilience, stating, “We find strength in our love of our country, our passion for our work, and the oath we swore.”
Accompanying Dr. Ali is a dedicated team of medical professionals at Omdurman’s Al-Nao hospital, which has endured significant challenges including bombings and the loss of colleagues. Bothaina Abdelrahman, a janitor at the hospital for 27 years, showcases similar dedication, walking two hours each day to fulfill her responsibilities despite the ongoing turmoil. Many health professionals face accusations from combatants and risk their lives daily to provide care. According to Dr. Khalid Abdelsalam from Doctors Without Borders, health workers have been attacked and targeted during the conflict.
The conflict has severely impacted healthcare, with up to 90 percent of hospitals in affected areas forced to close, and at least 78 health workers reported killed. Attacks on health facilities have been documented by the World Health Organization. Al-Nao hospital, which has remained operational throughout the war, has faced direct attacks, as acknowledged by its head nurse Khansa Al-Moatasem. Despite these threats, she feels it is an honor to dedicate herself fully to the hospital.
In one instance, Dr. Ali approached RSF forces after they stormed the maternity hospital, but the situation deteriorated further. Unfortunately, the hospital ultimately had to be shut down due to structural damage and looting. Despite these challenges, Dr. Ali established mobile clinics and a temporary maternity ward to ensure the continuation of services.
As of early 2024, with army forces regaining control of much of Omdurman, healthcare services have yet to stabilize completely, continuing to face attacks. Al-Buluk Hospital is led by Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed, who has taken on the role of mentor for younger staff navigating the overwhelming demands required. She finds value in training these new volunteers, expressing that these trials have brought purpose to her career.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to profound challenges for medical professionals, forcing many to make sacrifices while risking their lives to provide essential healthcare to those in need. Figures such as Dr. Safaa Ali and Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed exemplify the courage and dedication of health workers striving to maintain a semblance of medical care in an environment plagued by violence and loss. Despite the destruction of healthcare facilities, the resilience of these professionals highlights the importance of their mission.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
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