In brief
Amidst relentless bombardments in el-Fasher, Sudan, doctors at the last operational hospital face life-threatening challenges daily, demonstrating extraordinary commitment to saving lives while enduring catastrophic conditions and severe shortages.
In the war-torn city of el-Fasher, Sudan, a dedicated team of medical professionals continues to operate under perilous conditions as their hospital becomes increasingly besieged by ongoing violence. Dr. Mustafa Ali Abdulrahman Ibo and his colleagues bravely perform life-saving surgeries at Saudi Hospital, the last surviving medical facility in the city, which has suffered from rampant attacks over the last nine months. In the past month alone, 28 individuals connected with the hospital were killed, and over 50 injured due to shelling, marking the highest monthly death toll since the siege began. Dr. Ibo recounted the harrowing experience of performing an emergency caesarean during a bombing, saying, “We feared it might be our last task.” The scene turned chaotic as a shell struck near the operating room, causing power outages that plunged the team into darkness. They were forced to rely on their phone torches to complete the crucial surgery.The destruction of their environment compounded the risks; debris and dust covered the operating area, but the medical team remained undeterred. Dr. Khatab Mohammed, one of the surgeons, expressed the urgency of their work, stating, “We cleaned ourselves and continued the surgery even when the situation was dire.” After safely delivering the newborn, the team seized a brief moment of relief with a group photo, a testament to their survival in the face of imminent danger.Since the outbreak of civil strife in Sudan in April 2023, the conflict between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has plunged the region into chaos. In the ensuing humanitarian crisis, over 12 million individuals have been displaced. The RSF has besieged el-Fasher, targeting essential services and leaving countless civilians in peril. A UN report has cited over 780 civilian deaths due to the violence.Saudi Hospital, initially specializing in obstetrics, is now tasked with all medical needs for the region, operating under dire shortages. Its director, Mudathir Ibrahim Suleiman, shared the immense challenges they face, including patients injured during bombings and limited supplies. “We are doing the impossible to save lives,” he affirmed, indicating that despite adverse conditions, their commitment to care remains unwavering.Meanwhile, the northern and eastern parts of the city have seen normal life collapse, as half of the population seeks refuge in nearby camps. Inside these camps, including Zamzam, conditions are catastrophic, with many living under famine. Medical aid is critical, and MSF ambulances are employed to transport emergency cases; however, even these efforts have been met with violence.Dr. Ibo emphasized the determination of his team—a blend of youthful energy and unwavering commitment to the people of el-Fasher. “All normal aspects of life have completely disappeared, but we draw our resilience from the community we serve,” he said. Amid the chaos, the medics refuse to abandon their mission, hoping for peace and an end to the war.The World Health Organization has called for respect for health facilities amidst the conflict, stressing, “The sanctity of health must be protected even during wartime.” As these brave health workers continue their life-saving endeavors in el-Fasher, they represent a beacon of hope during one of humanity's gravest crises.
