Sudan: A safe arrival in a time of crisis
On 15 June, Amina became the first baby to be born at Bashair Teaching Hospital in South Khartoum since MSF teams relaunched the maternity service after a six-month absence. The lack of security within the hospital had forced its temporary closure during the ongoing Sudan conflict.
Amina’s arrival brought joy to her parents, who spent their first few days together in peace at the maternity ward.
Amina’s mother, Sofia, lives in South Khartoum and was only able to attend one antenatal consultation during her pregnancy as most healthcare facilities in the region are unable to operate due to a lack of funds for paying staff, while others have been destroyed during the conflict.
However, when her labour didn’t progress as expected, medical staff performed a caesarean section to save both mother and baby.
The hours before the operation were filled with stress and anxiety to deliver the baby safely. Sofia and her husband believed they would have to pay for the medical treatment before arriving at the hospital, which added to the their stress.
In Bashair Teaching Hospital, where MSF works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the family was able to access the care they needed at no cost, as with all MSF projects.
Our work saves lives
Bringing healthcare back
MSF started supporting Bashair Teaching Hospital in May 2023, however activities have been suspended several times when the safety of patients and staff could not be guaranteed amid the fighting outside.
Since early May this year, our teams have managed to resume emergency medical work and increase their support to free, necessary health services to the people of South Khartoum.
This began with a response to a cholera outbreak, including a dedicated treatment centre and preventative activities in the community to limit the transmission of the disease.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, MSF has also worked to expand emergency room access by funding additional medical staff, covering consultation costs and ensuring the availability of essential medications. In six weeks, more than 4,500 patients have received this essential medical care.
After strengthening emergency services, MSF turned its focus to the maternity ward where Amina was born. MSF also supported the reopening of a unit for patients suffering from HIV and tuberculosis, providing access to the necessary treatments and care.
The rehabilitation of other hospital services is ongoing, and more have become available over the past few months.
MSF and the crisis in Sudan
The violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has trapped millions of people in the middle of an unexpected conflict. Sudan now has the world's largest displacement crisis, with millions forced to flee their homes, while access to essential services such as healthcare has become increasingly difficult.
Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams already working in Sudan have been responding to the crisis since its first moments.