In brief
In a harrowing portrayal of resilience, medics in el-Fasher, Sudan, continue to operate amid intense bombardments, risking their lives to provide critical healthcare in a besieged city.
Dr. Mustafa Ali Abdulrahman Ibo and his team at Saudi Hospital are embodying sheer determination in the heart of a humanitarian crisis as they navigate severe threats in el-Fasher, Sudan. The city has endured a nine-month siege amid escalating violence from the ongoing civil war that erupted in April 2023. Their plight escalated over the past month with recorded casualties from shelling, resulting in 28 deaths and over 50 injuries among both staff and patients, the highest monthly toll since the siege began.Describing the grim reality, Dr. Ibo — who has lived in el-Fasher since 2011 — said, “Continuous attacks on Saudi Hospital have become part of our daily lives.” One of the most terrifying moments occurred during an emergency caesarean section, where a shell struck the hospital’s perimeter followed by another that hit the operating room, causing a power outage and forcing the surgical team to proceed in darkness with the help of their smartphones. Dr. Khatab Mohammed, leading the surgery, recounted the chaos: “The situation was dire; after ensuring our safety, we had to continue the procedure under non-sterile conditions.” Despite the threats, the medical team successfully delivered the baby and even managed to perform two additional life-saving operations that day. They took a photograph to commemorate their survival yet expressed trepidation about what could happen next.Since the civil war ignited a year ago, el-Fasher has remained the only city in Darfur under army control as ethnic tensions have escalated, particularly impacting non-Arab communities. The UN Human Rights Office reported over 780 civilian deaths and more than 1,140 injuries so far, with major health facilities, including the previous main hospital supported by Médecins Sans Frontières, having been forced to shut due to attacks.Saudi Hospital, funded by NGOs and the UN, has managed to maintain operations, though its medical director lamented, “We are facing a heart-breaking situation that violates all humanitarian principles.” The hospital, primarily focused on obstetrics and gynecology, is now the only one in North Darfur with surgical capacity, a testament to its vital role.Dr. Suleiman noted, “Pregnant women, children, and staff are in a state of shock; people are injured and being pulled from the rubble.” With many healthcare providers considering abandoning their posts, he underscored the significant need for the hospital’s services — “Women and children have no other place to save their lives.” With el-Fasher’s population in freefall, half of the residents have turned to the nearby Zamzam camp, currently housing around 500,000 individuals facing famine conditions. The hospital also caters to the camp, where MSF ambulance services have similarly been targeted, raising serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian missions in the area.As the conflict rages on, Dr. Ibo acknowledged the unwavering commitment of his colleagues, highlighting how their resilience is rooted in their connection to the people of el-Fasher, where they pursued their medical education. Dr. Mohammed poignantly shared, “Our souls refused to abandon the people of this city, given the catastrophic circumstances we witness daily.” Amid challenges, the dedicated medical staff remain focused on their mission, vowing to continue providing care, even in the most precarious environments. They pray earnestly for an end to the conflict and a return to peace.
