Dedication Amidst Conflict: Women Medics on the Khartoum Front Lines

In the face of conflict in Khartoum, women medics, led by figures such as Dr. Safaa Ali, have made significant sacrifices to provide medical care. Despite the overwhelming dangers, healthcare personnel continue to serve patients, with many hospitals rendered unusable and ongoing attacks against medical staff. Their commitment reflects an inspiring resilience and dedication to their country.

In April 2023, when conflict erupted in Khartoum, Dr. Safaa Ali confronted a heart-wrenching dilemma between staying with her family or fulfilling her duty as a medic. After much contemplation, she chose to remain, ultimately not seeing her family again. As one of the few obstetricians left in the capital, she is dedicated to ensuring safe childbirth for Sudanese women amidst a war-torn environment.

Dr. Ali exemplifies the resilience of medical professionals in Omdurman, where hospitals are under siege and colleagues are lost. Despite the dangers that came with working in a conflict zone, healthcare workers continue to serve their patients courageously. Bothaina Abdelrahman, a janitor at Al-Nao hospital for 27 years, walks four hours daily to fulfill her commitment to the hospital.

The ongoing conflict has led to severe risks for healthcare personnel, with many facing accusations of collaboration with enemies. Dr. Khalid Abdelsalam from Doctors Without Borders noted that health professionals have suffered attacks, kidnappings, and fatalities, with a reported 90 percent of hospitals in conflict zones rendered unusable. The World Health Organization recorded 119 attacks on health facilities by October.

Despite the violence, Khansa al-Moatasem leads the nursing team at Al-Nao, Omdurman’s sole operational hospital since the war’s onset, emphasizing her dedication to patient care. Although Al-Nao has been attacked multiple times, its staff continues to provide necessary medical services under incredibly challenging conditions.

Dr. Ali bravely approached paramilitary forces after they intruded upon a nearby hospital to plead for the protection of her women’s hospital, but attacks persisted. After sustaining severe damage, she created mobile clinics and a temporary maternity ward until the adjacent hospital partially reopened.

With a semblance of normalcy returning following army recaptures, hospitals are still targeted. Al-Nao faced shelling as recently as February, placing additional stress on its already strained medical team. Volunteer networks have become vital for the remaining operational hospitals. Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed has emerged as a mentor at the overwhelmed Al-Buluk hospital, describing her experience alongside dedicated young volunteers as the highlight of her 40-year pediatric career.

The harrowing circumstances faced by medical professionals in Sudan highlight their unwavering dedication amid conflict. Despite personal sacrifices and the overwhelming risks, women medics like Dr. Safaa Ali and many others continue to strive for the health and safety of their patients. Their resilience embodies a commitment not only to their profession but also to their nation in the wake of unprecedented violence against healthcare workers.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr