This article highlights the heroic efforts of women medics in Khartoum, Sudan, who risk their lives to provide essential healthcare amid ongoing conflict. Dr. Safaa Ali, a dedicated obstetrician, exemplifies this commitment, choosing to stay and assist patients despite separating from her family. Many healthcare professionals in Omdurman continue to serve their communities despite severe dangers, underscoring the crucial role of medical personnel in war conditions. The struggle for medical assistance persists as hospitals face constant attacks and resource shortages.
In April 2023, as conflict erupted in Sudan’s capital, Dr. Safaa Ali faced a heart-wrenching decision: to remain with her patients or leave with her family for Egypt. Choosing her professional duty over personal safety, she has not seen her family since. Standing as one of the last obstetricians in Khartoum, she courageously continues to assist women requiring safe childbirth amidst an unforgiving war environment.
Dr. Ali is among a dedicated group of healthcare professionals in Omdurman, which is Khartoum’s sister city. Their hospitals have been transformed into battle zones, facing bombings and the loss of colleagues. Yet, their commitment to their patients remains unwavering as they report for duty daily, disregarding the dangers surrounding them.
Bothaina Abdelrahman, a janitor at Al-Nao hospital, has maintained her work commitment for 27 years, walking two hours each way despite the conflict. Meanwhile, medical personnel face harassment and violence from various combatants, resulting in numerous casualties amongst healthcare workers. Reports indicate that nearly 90% of hospitals in conflict zones have ceased operations, and many health professionals have been attacked or killed.
Al-Nao hospital, the only facility still functioning in Omdurman, is led by Khansa al-Moatasem. Despite suffering direct hits from attacks, she dedicates herself to serving the hospital. A sign stating, “No weapons allowed,” hangs at the entrance, yet the directive is frequently ignored. Dr. Ali confronted a paramilitary commander to protect a women’s hospital but subsequently witnessed devastation firsthand when the facility was bombed.
Post-war efforts to restore normalcy continue, yet Al-Nao remains vulnerable, recently suffering from shelling that injured numerous patients. Resources are constrained as hospitals depend on local volunteer groups, mostly young individuals with limited means. Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed, a seasoned pediatrician, has stepped forward to guide and train young volunteers at the struggling Al-Buluk hospital, finding great honor in their dedication to patient care despite the challenging circumstances.
The resilience of Sudanese healthcare workers amidst the ongoing conflict in Khartoum and Omdurman is truly remarkable. Despite facing extreme dangers, dedicated professionals like Dr. Safaa Ali, Bothaina Abdelrahman, and Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed have made immense sacrifices to serve their communities and provide critical care. Their unwavering commitment highlights the vital role of healthcare practitioners in times of crisis and the dire need for support in maintaining healthcare services during conflict.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
