Sudan’s Healthcare Crisis: Doctors Face Extreme Challenges Amid Ongoing War

Sudan’s healthcare system is collapsing due to ongoing conflict, significantly affecting doctors’ ability to provide care. With countless attacks on medical facilities and severe shortages of resources, healthcare workers like Mohamed Moussa face overwhelming challenges as they treat war casualties and malnourished children amidst life-threatening conditions. Over 12 million people have been displaced, creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

Sudan’s healthcare system is in a perilous state due to ongoing conflict between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Doctors such as Mohamed Moussa continue to operate under harrowing conditions, treating gunshot wounds, severe injuries, and cases of malnutrition, amidst near-constant bombings. Al-Nao hospital, one of the remaining functional facilities in Omdurman, has been repeatedly struck by shelling. As of October, there have been 119 confirmed attacks on medical facilities.

The brutal warfare has reportedly resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and has displaced approximately 12 million individuals, creating a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. Tragically, up to 90 percent of medical facilities in conflict zones have closed, exacerbating the health crisis for millions. Both the army and RSF have engaged in violent actions against healthcare workers and institutions, leading to the deaths of 78 health workers and leaving many more without essential care. Moreover, the arrival of malnourished children at hospitals is rising amidst fears of widespread famine, with nearly 26 million individuals at risk of acute hunger. In this dire environment, health workers face immense challenges yet remain dedicated to their mission to care for the wounded and sick.

The ongoing civil war in Sudan escalated in April 2023, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian impacts, particularly on the healthcare system. The protracted conflict between rival military factions has led to mass casualties, extensive displacement, and a collapsing healthcare infrastructure. Prior to the conflict, Sudan’s health system was already struggling, but fighting has now decimated resources, closing hospitals and endangering healthcare providers. The combination of violence and deteriorating conditions has created one of the greatest healthcare crises in recent history, with attacks on medical facilities becoming alarmingly commonplace.

The situation in Sudan underscores the profound impact of armed conflict on healthcare systems and civilian populations. With an overwhelming number of medical facilities destroyed or incapacitated, healthcare workers like Dr. Moussa persist in their efforts to provide care under dire circumstances, facing violence, resource shortages, and rampant malnutrition. The international community must address these critical needs to prevent further deterioration of health services and protect the lives of Sudanese citizens.

Original Source: www.barrons.com