Doctors Defy Danger: Resilience Amidst Darfur's Crises

In Sudan's el-Fasher, a beleaguered hospital remains operational despite relentless shelling. The medical staff, fighting to save lives under precarious conditions, document their harrowing experiences in hopes of raising awareness about the unfolding crisis in Darfur.

In the besieged city of el-Fasher, Sudan, Dr. Mustafa Ali Abdulrahman Ibo and his dedicated team of medical professionals are fighting not only to save lives but also to survive amid intense hostilities. Over the past nine months, the civil conflict has transformed the region into a nightmarish battleground, with Saudi Hospital – the sole medical facility with surgical capabilities still functioning – bearing the brunt of violent attacks.

In recent weeks, the hospital has reported a staggering 28 deaths and over 50 injuries among staff and patients due to constant shelling, marking the deadliest month since the conflict erupted. The harrowing experiences faced by medics underscore the terrifying reality of their work in a war zone. As Dr. Ibo recounted, one particularly terrifying moment occurred during an emergency caesarean section when explosions rattled the facility.

"We had to continue under complete darkness after the power was cut off," he stated. "We relied on our phone torches to finish the operation." Dr. Khatab Mohammed, another member of the surgical team, highlighted the grim working conditions as he navigated through dust and debris to ensure the safety of both the mother and child. The medical professionals not only managed to complete the operation successfully but also rallied together to capture a photograph that symbolized their resilience against the odds.

The ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has displaced over 12 million people, resulting in one of the worst humanitarian crises the region has ever seen. El-Fasher, the last city under army control in Darfur, has become a focal point of violence, with RSF forces cutting off supply routes and attacking from multiple directions.

With other medical facilities shuttered due to violence, Saudi Hospital has been forced to expand its services, providing comprehensive care despite facing severe shortages of supplies and personnel. Mudathir Ibrahim Suleiman, the hospital's medical director, expressed both frustration and determination: "Our staff performs the impossible to save lives, but the conditions are heartbreaking and violate humanitarian laws."

As the entire medical staff battles daily threats and emotional tolls, many surgeons and nurses, alumni of the University of el-Fasher, have chosen to stay despite opportunities to flee. Dr. Ibo affirmed that their commitment stems from a deep-rooted sense of responsibility towards their community. "We draw our resilience from the people of el-Fasher," he noted.

Beyond their own struggles, health experts are raising alarms about maternal and child health emergencies in Darfur, prompting the World Health Organization to call for respect for healthcare facilities amid conflicts. As one medic poignantly stated, "Our souls refuse to abandon the people of this city." This sentiment echoes a collective pledge among the dedicated staff to press on, continuing their life-saving work, even from makeshift settings, until the day peace returns to their beleaguered homeland.