As conflict gripped Khartoum in April 2023, Dr. Safaa Ali faced a heart-wrenching decision: leave her family and flee to Egypt or stay to help those in need.
Choosing duty over safety, she has not seen her children since.
Nearly two years into Sudan’s brutal war, Dr. Ali remains one of the few obstetricians in the capital, risking her life daily to provide safe deliveries for women.
Alongside her, a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and staff continue their work in hospitals across Omdurman, Khartoum’s sister city.
Despite bombings, gunfire, and the loss of colleagues, these medical professionals persist.
Bothaina Abdelrahman, a janitor at Al-Nao hospital for 27 years, walks two hours to work each day, determined to help.
Hospitals have been bombed, staff targeted, and medical equipment looted.
The ongoing attacks have forced the closure of up to 90% of healthcare facilities, with at least 78 health workers killed.
Yet, some hospitals, like Al-Nao, continue to operate, albeit under constant threat.
Dr. Ali’s hospital was bombed, forcing her to set up mobile clinics to continue her work.
In the face of adversity, the community has stepped up.
Volunteer groups, primarily young Sudanese with limited resources, have been essential in supporting overwhelmed hospitals.
Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed, a paediatrician with 40 years of experience, now trains young volunteers at Al-Buluk hospital.
For her, working with these dedicated volunteers has become the highlight of her career, despite the overwhelming challenges.
These women and their teams embody courage, risking their lives daily to offer hope in the midst of war.
