Sultan’s Fasher: Health Facilities Under Fire

A street bustling with daily life—patients and their companions, medical staff, street vendors, public transportation, doctors, artists, teachers, academics, and politicians of all kinds—mingling with organizations, philanthropists, and emergency volunteers. Together, they plan and coordinate their efforts to provide health and medical care, answering the calls of the people of El Fasher, now a massive shelter housing all the people of Darfur as their states continue to fall into the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Around this street, the makeshift shelters have become hubs for gathering and discussing daily challenges and potential solutions. This is Southern Hospital Street, or “El Fasher South Hospital.”

Throughout a year of war, this hospital, located on the weaponry street between the Weaponry and Birnjiyya neighborhoods, has become a vital connection point linking the city’s neighborhoods and a refuge for all of El Fasher’s residents. Whenever a patient or injured person needed a blood transfusion, they would find dozens of donors ready at the blood bank. It also became a place for citizens to celebrate with the army and its allies after every successful defense against RSF attacks on the city.

After the teaching hospital went out of service due to its proximity to the frontlines and the RSF seized control of the children’s specialist hospital, turning it into a military base and detention center for both civilians and soldiers, the southern hospital became the main medical facility for the entire population of El Fasher. It remained relatively calm despite the enormous crowds until the battles shifted south and southeast of the city. Residents from the north and east fled, leaving the area deserted after the RSF’s repeated airstrikes. Patients feared additional injuries from random shelling and gunfire directed at the hospital.

Abdullah, a man in his fifties, was admitted to the southern hospital and placed under observation. Due to overcrowded wards, he was placed in a tent in the hospital’s northern courtyard, managed by an aid organization. One night, the head nurse went home, only to return in the morning to find the tent empty, with more patients packed into the already crowded wards. She was told that a stray bullet had struck Abdullah while he lay in bed, prompting the other patients to flee indoors.

After months of targeted shelling in May and June, RSF forces infiltrated the southern hospital at the end of June, assaulting medical staff, patients, and their families, looting their belongings, and fleeing with a medicine-laden ambulance from the hospital’s supply pharmacy. Subsequently, the hospital was relocated to the Saudi Women and Maternity Specialist Hospital, the only functioning government hospital at the time.

As RSF forces entered the Unity East and Peace South neighborhoods, targeting civilians, residents fled westward, leaving behind empty streets patrolled by the army and joint forces. Streets devoid of life, strewn with bullet casings, fallen power lines, and high barricades, with burnt-out cars lining Peace Street. Eventually, the southern hospital was recaptured by the Sudanese army and turned into a military base after pushing the RSF back to the Peace neighborhood.

Jihad Hassan, a woman in her forties, entered the southern hospital after a shell hit her home, killing her niece and leaving her body riddled with shrapnel that required multiple surgeries. She remained in a coma, barely moving except to sip water. Her sister recounted how, after RSF forces entered the hospital, they had to transfer Jihad to the Saudi hospital under dire conditions, and she died shortly after arrival.

Her sister sighed as she told *Atir* that Jihad wasn’t the only one. Their neighbor, Abdou, also died shortly after being moved from the southern hospital following surgery to remove shrapnel from his back. His head swelled the night he was transferred to the Saudi hospital, and he died, leaving behind nine children, the eldest just 20 years old. His wife only learned of his death days later due to disrupted communication networks.

This is the tragic reality after the deliberate targeting of health facilities and medical staff in a city under siege for months. The maternity hospital has now taken over all healthcare services, becoming a lifeline for patients from across the region.

Dr. Esraa Mohamed, a laboratory doctor at the Saudi hospital, described one of the most harrowing days: June 27, when around 50 dead bodies and countless injured were brought in. Everyone called for urgent blood donations. With the medical staff overwhelmed, everyone—including Dr. Esraa—pitched in to treat the injured. “Most of the dead were in pieces,” she said, recalling the horrors. The operating rooms were all occupied, the blood bank was filled with soldiers trying to donate for their comrades, and the hospital was filled with the sounds of screaming and chaos. Then, shelling resumed, forcing the staff to decide between fleeing for their lives or staying to save others.

Dr. Mudathir Ibrahim Suleiman, the hospital’s director, expressed his deep concern over the state of healthcare in North Darfur after most of El Fasher’s hospitals went out of service. Despite the efforts of organizations like UNICEF and UNFBA, the need for medical support continues to grow as the number of casualties rises due to repeated airstrikes on civilians.

El Fasher’s medical sector has suffered unimaginable damage, and despite sporadic support, the situation remains critical, with shortages of essential medicines and supplies, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and economic collapse.

“The extent of the damage to the healthcare sector in the city has exceeded all expectations!” began Dr. Mudathir Ibrahim Suleiman, the medical director of the Saudi Women and Maternity Hospital, as he spoke to *Atir*. He expressed his sorrow over the dire state of healthcare in North Darfur, especially after the majority of El Fasher’s hospitals went out of service. The full burden of healthcare now rests on the Saudi hospital, which is facing critical shortages in medicine and a severe lack of medical staff. Most of the hospital’s staff have fled the state due to the ongoing conflict, and the rising number of casualties from repeated attacks on civilians has put immense pressure on the hospital’s ability to provide smooth and effective healthcare.

The situation worsened after the RSF shelled the central medical supplies warehouse in El Fasher, setting it ablaze and destroying crucial medical stores. Despite the efforts of organizations like UNICEF, which has been working to meet the hospital’s surgical needs, and UNFPA, which has been covering some of the hospital’s other needs, the hospital continues to face a significant shortage of supplies. Dr. Mudathir concluded by expressing his deep appreciation for the medical staff currently working at the hospital, commending their dedication and resilience despite the heavy shelling and random gunfire that makes movement within the city extremely dangerous.

Dr. Abdullah Hamdoun, a medical equipment importer, explained that the current stock of medicine covers only 25% of the city’s overall needs. There is a complete shortage of children’s solutions and chronic disease medications, which require refrigeration. He pointed out that the state, as well as humanitarian organizations, rely on the private sector to provide medicine. The private sector had been functioning efficiently until the RSF’s siege on El Fasher severed all supply lines, especially for medications that require special storage conditions.

Dr. Hamdoun told *Atir* that despite the challenges, they had been smuggling medicine through Dar Al-Salam locality until the RSF took control of the area and began committing violations against civilians, particularly traders and truck drivers. This caused people to fear using this route, leaving medical import agencies unable to find alternative ways to transport supplies. The collapse of the Sudanese pound against foreign currencies has only added to the cost of importing medicine, with these additional expenses ultimately passed on to patients who can barely afford basic medicines.

Expressing deep concern for the people of the region, Dr. Hamdoun warned that the shortage of essential medicines was becoming increasingly severe, particularly with the malaria season approaching and anti-malaria drugs completely unavailable in the city. This, along with a shortage of typhoid medication, has driven some residents to flee to localities in search of treatment, temporarily easing the pressure on El Fasher but putting a burden on localities that rely on the city for healthcare services. Meanwhile, RSF forces continue to block humanitarian convoys, preventing them from reaching the city.

Dr. Hamdoun called for an end to the practice of smuggling medications that require refrigeration in regular cargo trucks, as this only worsens the condition of the patients. Many families have been displaced to villages around El Fasher, while some have chosen to remain in their homes despite the bombings and the constant threat of death. Everyone is suffering under the collapse of the healthcare system in the capital of the region, which serves five states and provides medical care for 18 localities. Although healthcare before the war was far from ideal, a return to those pre-war conditions would be a welcome relief compared to the horrors of war, random gunfire, and the senseless deaths happening on the city’s streets.

Since the outbreak of war on April 21, 2023, several health facilities in El Fasher have gone out of service, with some resuming operations only to shut down again as the conflict raged on. Over the course of a year and several months, no health facility in the city has been spared the devastation of war—primarily from airstrikes and targeted shelling. Some facilities have been completely destroyed, while a few continue to function against all odds. On June 8, the health center at Abu Shouk IDP camp was shelled, followed by Babkir Nahar Health Center on June 11 in a mistaken air raid, and the kidney dialysis center was bombed and completely destroyed on June 24, with all its equipment burned. On June 25, the private Iqra Specialist Clinic in the city’s main market was struck, followed by the private Jebel Marra Medical Complex on July 2, and the Life Pulse Hospital in the main market on July 27. Additionally, the Timbasi Health Center southwest of the city was hit on August 3, along with the Oncology Center in central El Fasher and the central medical supplies warehouse. The police hospital in the city center was also destroyed by shelling on August 26.

The southern and Saudi hospitals bore the brunt of the missile strikes, with the Saudi hospital being targeted five times on May 10, 19, and June 21, 27, and 29. The southern hospital was hit on May 21, 25, 31, and June 2 and 8. By the time the southern hospital ceased operations, sources reported 1,583 injuries and 513 deaths in El Fasher. After the battles moved southward in May, more than 3,000 injuries and 600 deaths were recorded in the city.

Dr. Mudathir Ibrahim Suleiman, the director of the Saudi hospital, pointed to the catastrophic impact of the war on healthcare services, emphasizing the sheer scale of the destruction inflicted on the health sector in El Fasher and North Darfur. He spoke about how the majority of hospitals had fallen out of service, leaving the Saudi hospital as the only functioning facility for the entire population.

Even though humanitarian organizations have provided some support, the shortage of medical staff and supplies has made it nearly impossible to cope with the growing influx of injured and sick individuals. Many medical professionals have fled due to the ongoing conflict, and the constant shelling has destroyed vital infrastructure, including the central medical supply warehouse.

The health system was already fragile before the war, but now the city’s hospitals, clinics, and health centers are at the brink of collapse. Even when functioning, these facilities can only offer limited services. As Dr. Mudathir noted, the Saudi hospital, originally intended to treat women and children, is now overwhelmed with patients from across the region, including men, children, and the elderly.

The continued shelling, blockades, and destruction of medical facilities have pushed the residents of El Fasher to the breaking point. With the RSF blocking humanitarian aid and medical supplies, the city’s population is left to fend for themselves, with medical professionals and volunteers doing their best under near-impossible conditions.

Dr. Hamdoun, who works in medical equipment importation, added that the private sector is struggling to meet the demand for medicines. Many supplies, especially those requiring refrigeration, are no longer available, and the ongoing economic collapse has made it nearly impossible for citizens to afford basic medications.

“People are living in constant fear of the next shell, the next airstrike,” said Dr. Hamdoun, expressing his concern for the future of the city’s health system. “If this continues, there will be no healthcare left in El Fasher.”

Despite the grim reality, humanitarian organizations continue to make efforts to support the remaining hospitals and provide medical aid. However, these efforts are often thwarted by the ongoing conflict, which has severely limited access to the city and its health facilities. RSF forces frequently block aid convoys, preventing them from delivering crucial supplies, including medicines, surgical equipment, and blood for transfusions.

The international community has been urged to step in, but the situation remains dire. Without immediate intervention and a halt to the conflict, the health crisis in El Fasher and North Darfur will only worsen, leaving the city’s population with little to no access to the medical care they so desperately need.

As Dr. Mudathir concluded in his remarks to *Atir*, “The people of El Fasher are suffering, and the health sector is in ruins. We need all the help we can get, and we need it now.”

The humanitarian crisis in El Fasher has placed an unbearable burden on healthcare workers and volunteers. With most hospitals either damaged or destroyed, the remaining staff at the Saudi hospital and a few other makeshift clinics have been working around the clock under extreme conditions. Dr. Mudathir Ibrahim Suleiman expressed his deep concern for his colleagues, who are exhausted both physically and emotionally, working long hours with limited resources while facing the constant threat of airstrikes and random gunfire.

Volunteers, many of whom have no formal medical training, have stepped in to fill the gaps left by the fleeing medical professionals. They provide basic first aid, transport injured civilians to the hospital, and help in organizing blood donations. However, they are also at risk, as the conflict continues to encroach on the few safe zones left in the city.

Many volunteers have been injured or killed while trying to save others. The destruction of several medical facilities has also meant that volunteers are often left without proper medical supplies or a safe place to treat the wounded. The constant shelling has turned even hospitals into dangerous zones, forcing both medical professionals and volunteers to make life-or-death decisions about whether to stay and help or flee for their own safety.

For the civilians of El Fasher, access to healthcare has become increasingly limited. Those who were able to leave the city early in the conflict sought medical help in localities or neighboring regions, but many who remain are trapped in a cycle of violence, unable to access even the most basic care. The shortage of medicines and medical supplies means that even treatable conditions are becoming fatal, especially for the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses.

Amid the devastation, families are left grieving for lost loved ones, often with no chance to say goodbye. Dr. Mudathir recounted numerous stories of patients who died because the hospital could not provide the necessary care in time, either due to a lack of medicine or the destruction of critical infrastructure. The hospital’s morgue, like many other parts of the facility, has been overwhelmed by the number of bodies, some of which remain unidentified due to the extent of their injuries.

In one particularly tragic case, Jihad Hassan, a woman injured by a shell that destroyed her home, was transferred to the Saudi hospital after the southern hospital was attacked. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries to remove shrapnel, she remained in a coma. Her condition worsened during the transfer, and she died shortly after arrival, leaving her family devastated. Her story is one of many, illustrating the harsh realities faced by civilians in a city where war has torn apart the health system.

The collapse of Sudan’s economy has had a profound impact on the availability of healthcare, particularly in conflict-ridden areas like El Fasher. The sharp devaluation of the Sudanese pound has made it difficult for the government and humanitarian organizations to purchase essential medicines and medical supplies. Inflation has driven up the cost of basic necessities, and healthcare is no exception.

Private pharmacies and medical supply stores, which once served as lifelines for people unable to access public hospitals, have either shut down or drastically reduced their operations due to the lack of stock and the prohibitive cost of importing medicines. Dr. Abdullah Hamdoun, who runs a medical equipment import agency, emphasized that the private sector has been severely impacted by the RSF’s blockade of supply routes and the general insecurity in the region.

The scarcity of medicines for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, is particularly concerning. These medications are often expensive and require refrigeration, which is difficult to maintain in war-torn areas. Many people with chronic conditions are unable to access the care they need, leading to preventable deaths. The rise in cases of malaria and typhoid, coupled with the lack of treatment options, has only compounded the health crisis.

Looking ahead, the future of healthcare in El Fasher remains uncertain. Even if the conflict were to end soon, the rebuilding of the city’s health infrastructure will take years. Hospitals will need to be rebuilt from the ground up, medical staff will need to be recruited and trained, and essential medical supplies will need to be replenished. The psychological toll on healthcare workers and civilians alike will also require significant attention, as many have experienced trauma that will affect them for years to come.

Dr. Mudathir and other medical professionals have called for urgent international intervention to address the immediate healthcare crisis in El Fasher. While humanitarian organizations have made efforts to provide emergency medical aid, the scale of the destruction requires a coordinated global response. Without it, the people of El Fasher will continue to suffer from a lack of access to life-saving medical care, and the region’s health system will remain in ruins.

As the conflict drags on, healthcare workers, volunteers, and civilians alike are holding out hope for peace and a return to some semblance of normalcy. Until then, they continue to endure unimaginable hardship, fighting not just to save lives, but to survive in a city torn apart by war.

The ongoing conflict in El Fasher has inflicted deep psychological wounds on both civilians and healthcare workers. With the constant bombardment, loss of life, and destruction of infrastructure, mental health has become a critical concern. Healthcare workers, already stretched thin by the physical demands of caring for the wounded, are now also grappling with severe emotional trauma. The pressure of working under dangerous conditions, witnessing mass casualties, and losing patients has left many doctors, nurses, and volunteers suffering from burnout, stress, and depression.

Dr. Mudathir Ibrahim Suleiman mentioned that the hospital staff faces overwhelming emotional strain. Many of them have seen their colleagues die in attacks, and some have lost family members to the violence. Despite their professional training, they are not immune to the trauma of war. The lack of mental health support for these workers further exacerbates the situation. The absence of specialized psychological care in the city means that both the caregivers and the civilians they treat are left to cope with their mental health challenges alone.

For civilians, particularly those who have lost loved ones or have been displaced, the psychological toll is even greater. The destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals has led to a deep sense of loss and instability. Families who remain in the city live in constant fear of the next airstrike or attack. Many children, in particular, have been deeply traumatized by the violence, and there are concerns about the long-term impact on their mental well-being.

Volunteers from humanitarian organizations have tried to provide psychological first aid to those affected by the conflict, but these efforts are limited by the dangerous conditions and the lack of trained mental health professionals. The war has exacerbated existing challenges, leaving the population vulnerable to the lasting effects of trauma and stress.

Despite the dire circumstances, there have been efforts by local and international organizations to rebuild some semblance of a healthcare system in El Fasher. Volunteers have stepped up to create makeshift clinics in safer areas of the city, using whatever resources they can gather to treat the sick and injured. Aid groups like UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) have sent supplies, although the deliveries are often delayed or blocked due to the ongoing fighting.

The Saudi hospital, which has become the main hub for medical care in the region, has seen some support from international donors, who have provided essential medicines and surgical equipment. However, the supply remains inconsistent, and the hospital is still woefully under-resourced for the number of patients it receives. The need for antibiotics, painkillers, surgical tools, and blood supplies is urgent and far exceeds the available stock.

There have also been attempts to set up mobile clinics that can move with the displaced populations, offering basic medical care to those who have fled the city. These clinics are a lifeline for many, but they too face challenges, including limited supplies, fuel shortages, and the constant threat of being caught in the crossfire.

The situation in El Fasher has prompted urgent calls from local and international humanitarian organizations for a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors. Without these measures, it is difficult for aid workers to reach those in need, and the health crisis in the city is only expected to worsen. The United Nations, along with several international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has called for both sides of the conflict to allow the safe passage of medical supplies and aid workers.

However, diplomatic efforts have so far been slow to yield tangible results. The ongoing power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left little room for negotiation, and the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. International pressure is mounting, but without a clear resolution to the conflict, it remains unclear when or if substantial aid will reach the city.

In the meantime, local health workers like Dr. Mudathir continue to plead for immediate assistance. They emphasize that without external help, El Fasher’s healthcare system will collapse entirely, leaving thousands without access to essential medical services. The situation is critical, and every day that passes without intervention results in more lives lost.

Looking forward, the road to recovery for El Fasher will be long and challenging. Even if the conflict were to end tomorrow, the task of rebuilding the city’s healthcare infrastructure is daunting. Hospitals, clinics, and health centers will need to be reconstructed, medical professionals will need to be recruited or retrained, and the population will require significant psychological support to heal from the trauma of war.

International aid will be crucial in this rebuilding process, both in terms of financial support and technical expertise. The involvement of global organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) will be essential to reestablish a functioning healthcare system in the region. Additionally, the rebuilding effort will require significant investments in infrastructure, including roads, power, and water systems, all of which have been severely damaged during the conflict.

There is also the need for a concerted effort to address the mental health crisis that has emerged from the war. Trauma counseling and psychological support services will be essential for both healthcare workers and civilians as they begin to rebuild their lives. Specialized mental health clinics will need to be established to provide long-term care for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other war-related mental health issues.

For now, the people of El Fasher remain in survival mode, holding onto the hope that peace will return to their city. The resilience of the healthcare workers, volunteers, and civilians offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of war. Despite the overwhelming challenges, they continue to fight for life, health, and the future of their community.

Restoring health services in El Fasher will require more than just rebuilding infrastructure; it will need a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and human resources lost in the conflict. Many of the city’s medical staff have fled or been displaced, and others have been killed or injured during the conflict. This has left the city with a critical shortage of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Training and recruitment of new staff will be a significant challenge, as the region will need both immediate assistance and long-term solutions to rebuild its medical workforce.

Medical facilities, such as the Saudi hospital, which have borne the brunt of providing care during the war, are now depleted of resources. The hospital has been relying heavily on the support of local volunteers and the limited supplies it receives from humanitarian organizations, but this is far from enough. The hospital’s equipment is outdated or damaged, and there is a critical lack of essential medicines, such as antibiotics and vaccines. Furthermore, the hospital’s buildings themselves are in urgent need of repair after being damaged by airstrikes and shelling.

Without proper support, the hospital will struggle to maintain even basic services, let alone handle the long-term recovery needs of the population. Rebuilding the healthcare system will also require international investment, including funds for new equipment, medical supplies, and infrastructure, as well as financial aid to cover the operational costs of running hospitals and clinics.

In addition to rebuilding hospitals and clinics, public health measures must be implemented to prevent outbreaks of diseases like cholera, malaria, and typhoid, which are already threatening the population. The breakdown of sanitation systems and the contamination of water supplies have left the city vulnerable to epidemics. The health sector will need to focus on both treating the immediate casualties of war and addressing these broader public health issues.

International health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), will need to play a key role in coordinating efforts to improve sanitation, distribute clean water, and provide vaccinations. Disease surveillance systems will need to be reestablished to monitor and respond to outbreaks swiftly. This will require not only medical professionals but also public health workers who can implement large-scale prevention programs across the region.

The lack of clean water, combined with overcrowded conditions in areas where displaced people have gathered, makes the spread of infectious diseases a serious concern. Local and international organizations will need to work together to provide safe drinking water, distribute hygiene kits, and educate the population on how to prevent the spread of diseases.

One of the key priorities in restoring healthcare services will be reintegrating healthcare workers who have fled or been displaced by the conflict. Many of the city’s doctors, nurses, and specialists were forced to leave El Fasher to escape the violence, and some have sought refuge in neighboring states or countries. Efforts will need to be made to encourage these professionals to return once the security situation stabilizes, as they are essential to rebuilding the health system.

However, convincing healthcare workers to return will not be easy. The ongoing conflict has left many with deep trauma, and many may be reluctant to return to a city that remains unstable. Providing financial incentives, housing, and security guarantees will be crucial in encouraging healthcare professionals to come back and help restore services in the city.

In the meantime, international organizations may need to send medical teams to assist in providing care and training new local staff. Programs to train and certify local volunteers who have stepped in during the conflict could also help address the immediate shortage of medical personnel.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the people of El Fasher have shown remarkable resilience throughout the conflict. Local volunteers, community leaders, and humanitarian organizations have all played critical roles in keeping the city’s healthcare system from collapsing entirely. These efforts provide a foundation upon which the city’s health services can be rebuilt, but the road ahead will require sustained effort and international support.

Community engagement will be a key factor in the rebuilding process. Local leaders and volunteers who have been actively involved in healthcare during the conflict should be included in discussions about how to restore services. Their knowledge of the community’s needs and their experience working in challenging conditions will be invaluable as the city moves forward.

While the physical rebuilding of hospitals and clinics will be a major focus, addressing the emotional and psychological wounds left by the war will also be crucial. Programs that provide trauma counseling and psychological support for healthcare workers, patients, and the broader population will be essential in helping the community heal.

El Fasher’s healthcare crisis is not just a local or regional issue; it is a humanitarian disaster that requires international solidarity and action. The conflict in Sudan has displaced millions, disrupted essential services, and left entire cities, like El Fasher, in ruins. As the international community debates how to respond, it is clear that urgent action is needed to save lives and prevent further deterioration of the health sector.

Humanitarian organizations and governments around the world must prioritize sending aid to Sudan, with a focus on healthcare services. Financial aid, medical supplies, and skilled professionals will all be necessary to address the immediate needs of the population and to begin the long process of rebuilding the healthcare system.

International diplomatic efforts must also intensify to bring about a ceasefire and ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those who need it most. Without peace and stability, any efforts to rebuild the healthcare system will be temporary at best. The people of El Fasher deserve the chance to rebuild their lives and their city, and the global community must stand with them in their time of need.

In the words of Dr. Mudathir, “We are holding on, but we cannot do it alone.” The health workers, volunteers, and civilians in El Fasher need urgent support to survive this crisis and to rebuild a healthcare system that can serve them in the future. Only through international cooperation and sustained effort can the people of El Fasher hope to recover from the devastation of war.

One of the most immediate steps needed to facilitate the recovery of El Fasher’s healthcare system is the establishment of humanitarian corridors. These are safe zones or routes where humanitarian aid can flow freely, ensuring that medical supplies, food, and other essentials reach the people who need them most. In a conflict as intense and protracted as the one in Sudan, humanitarian corridors provide a vital lifeline to besieged cities like El Fasher.

International pressure on both sides of the conflict, including the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is critical to ensuring that these corridors are respected. Ceasefires, even if temporary, can create windows of opportunity for health workers to reach those in need, and for medical facilities to be resupplied with essential medicines and equipment. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global organizations have been advocating for these corridors, but their implementation has been hindered by the ongoing violence and lack of trust between warring factions.

In past conflicts, humanitarian corridors have proven effective in saving lives, especially when used to transport medical personnel and supplies into hard-hit areas. A properly implemented ceasefire would allow organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and the International Red Cross to deploy teams of healthcare professionals, helping to bolster the severely depleted workforce in El Fasher. This would also provide a moment of reprieve for local medical staff, allowing them time to rest, recover, and receive additional training.

Even with ceasefires and humanitarian corridors in place, the logistical challenges of delivering aid to El Fasher are immense. Much of the city’s infrastructure has been destroyed or severely damaged, with roads cut off by rubble, bridges destroyed by bombings, and airstrips rendered unusable due to shelling. The situation is compounded by the RSF’s blockade of key supply routes, which has made it difficult for humanitarian convoys to enter the city without facing attack or extortion.

To overcome these logistical hurdles, humanitarian organizations may need to rely on airlifts to deliver critical supplies. Airlifting medical supplies and personnel directly into the city or nearby safe zones can bypass some of the roadblocks and ensure that aid reaches those in need faster. However, this approach requires international coordination and financial support, as well as assurances from the warring parties that these flights will not be targeted.

Another option is to use smaller, mobile clinics that can be more easily moved across conflict zones. These clinics, while limited in their capacity, could provide basic medical care, distribute essential medicines, and offer emergency treatments to displaced populations. Organizations such as the International Red Cross have used mobile clinics in similar conflict zones with some success, and this could be a viable short-term solution for reaching those on the outskirts of El Fasher.

One of the less visible impacts of the conflict in El Fasher is the erosion of trust between healthcare providers and the local community. Many civilians, especially those who have suffered from repeated attacks on hospitals and clinics, are understandably wary of seeking medical help, fearing that these facilities will be targeted again. In addition, the looting of hospitals and the assault on healthcare workers by RSF forces has left a deep sense of insecurity among both patients and staff.

Restoring this trust is essential for the long-term recovery of the healthcare system. Healthcare providers, both local and international, will need to engage with community leaders, religious figures, and other trusted voices to reassure the population that hospitals are safe places to receive treatment. This could involve establishing community-based health committees that include local leaders, healthcare workers, and volunteers who work together to address the concerns of residents and help rebuild their confidence in the health system.

These committees could also serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and the community, ensuring that information about available services and treatments is widely disseminated. In many conflict zones, misinformation or a lack of reliable communication can prevent people from accessing critical health services. By involving trusted community leaders, these health committees can play a key role in educating the population about the importance of seeking medical care and the steps being taken to protect hospitals from future attacks.

The war in El Fasher has created a healthcare crisis that will take years, if not decades, to fully resolve. Beyond the immediate need for medical supplies and emergency care, the long-term health effects of the conflict are likely to be profound. Malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and the psychological trauma experienced by civilians and healthcare workers alike will require sustained attention long after the fighting has stopped.

The collapse of sanitation systems and the destruction of water sources have made El Fasher a breeding ground for waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery. Malaria, which is already a major health issue in the region, is expected to become even more widespread due to the lack of preventative measures like insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial drugs. These public health challenges will require large-scale interventions to prevent future outbreaks and control existing ones.

The mental health crisis caused by the conflict is another area of concern. Many civilians, especially children, have been exposed to extreme violence, displacement, and the loss of loved ones. These experiences can have lasting psychological effects, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Unfortunately, mental health services in El Fasher were limited even before the conflict, and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure has made access to psychological care even more difficult.

International organizations will need to work closely with local health providers to establish mental health programs that address both immediate needs and long-term care. This could include training local health workers in trauma counseling, setting up mental health clinics, and integrating mental health services into existing healthcare facilities. Addressing the psychological toll of the conflict is critical to helping the population heal and move forward.

Another potential avenue for supporting the recovery of healthcare in El Fasher is the involvement of the Sudanese diaspora. Many Sudanese healthcare professionals who have fled the country or are working abroad could play a vital role in rebuilding the health system. By offering their expertise, skills, and resources, these professionals could help train new healthcare workers, provide much-needed medical care, and raise awareness about the situation in Sudan.

Several international efforts have already begun to mobilize the Sudanese diaspora in response to the ongoing conflict. Virtual training programs, financial contributions, and medical missions are all ways in which diaspora communities can support the recovery of healthcare services in El Fasher. In the past, diaspora groups have been instrumental in supporting healthcare initiatives in post-conflict regions, and their involvement could be critical to El Fasher’s long-term recovery.

The Sudanese diaspora can also serve as powerful advocates for international attention and intervention. By raising awareness in their host countries, they can help secure the international support and funding needed to rebuild the healthcare system and address the broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

The humanitarian crisis in El Fasher is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that war can have on a city’s health infrastructure and its people. As the conflict rages on, the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, and the people of El Fasher are in desperate need of immediate assistance. While local healthcare workers, volunteers, and international organizations have made heroic efforts to keep the system afloat, they cannot do it alone.

The international community must step up its efforts to provide humanitarian aid, negotiate ceasefires, and establish humanitarian corridors that allow medical supplies and personnel to reach those in need. The reconstruction of El Fasher’s healthcare system will require sustained financial support, the involvement of local and international experts, and a coordinated global response.

Only through collective action can the people of El Fasher hope to rebuild their city’s healthcare system and ensure that they have access to the medical care they need to survive and thrive. The world cannot afford to look away while El Fasher’s healthcare system crumbles under the weight of war. The time to act is now.

One of the most immediate steps needed to facilitate the recovery of El Fasher’s healthcare system is the establishment of humanitarian corridors. These are safe zones or routes where humanitarian aid can flow freely, ensuring that medical supplies, food, and other essentials reach the people who need them most. In a conflict as intense and protracted as the one in Sudan, humanitarian corridors provide a vital lifeline to besieged cities like El Fasher.

International pressure on both sides of the conflict, including the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is critical to ensuring that these corridors are respected. Ceasefires, even if temporary, can create windows of opportunity for health workers to reach those in need, and for medical facilities to be resupplied with essential medicines and equipment. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global organizations have been advocating for these corridors, but their implementation has been hindered by the ongoing violence and lack of trust between warring factions.

In past conflicts, humanitarian corridors have proven effective in saving lives, especially when used to transport medical personnel and supplies into hard-hit areas. A properly implemented ceasefire would allow organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and the International Red Cross to deploy teams of healthcare professionals, helping to bolster the severely depleted workforce in El Fasher. This would also provide a moment of reprieve for local medical staff, allowing them time to rest, recover, and receive additional training.

Even with ceasefires and humanitarian corridors in place, the logistical challenges of delivering aid to El Fasher are immense. Much of the city’s infrastructure has been destroyed or severely damaged, with roads cut off by rubble, bridges destroyed by bombings, and airstrips rendered unusable due to shelling. The situation is compounded by the RSF’s blockade of key supply routes, which has made it difficult for humanitarian convoys to enter the city without facing attack or extortion.

To overcome these logistical hurdles, humanitarian organizations may need to rely on airlifts to deliver critical supplies. Airlifting medical supplies and personnel directly into the city or nearby safe zones can bypass some of the roadblocks and ensure that aid reaches those in need faster. However, this approach requires international coordination and financial support, as well as assurances from the warring parties that these flights will not be targeted.

Another option is to use smaller, mobile clinics that can be more easily moved across conflict zones. These clinics, while limited in their capacity, could provide basic medical care, distribute essential medicines, and offer emergency treatments to displaced populations. Organizations such as the International Red Cross have used mobile clinics in similar conflict zones with some success, and this could be a viable short-term solution for reaching those on the outskirts of El Fasher.

One of the less visible impacts of the conflict in El Fasher is the erosion of trust between healthcare providers and the local community. Many civilians, especially those who have suffered from repeated attacks on hospitals and clinics, are understandably wary of seeking medical help, fearing that these facilities will be targeted again. In addition, the looting of hospitals and the assault on healthcare workers by RSF forces has left a deep sense of insecurity among both patients and staff.

Restoring this trust is essential for the long-term recovery of the healthcare system. Healthcare providers, both local and international, will need to engage with community leaders, religious figures, and other trusted voices to reassure the population that hospitals are safe places to receive treatment. This could involve establishing community-based health committees that include local leaders, healthcare workers, and volunteers who work together to address the concerns of residents and help rebuild their confidence in the health system.

These committees could also serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and the community, ensuring that information about available services and treatments is widely disseminated. In many conflict zones, misinformation or a lack of reliable communication can prevent people from accessing critical health services. By involving trusted community leaders, these health committees can play a key role in educating the population about the importance of seeking medical care and the steps being taken to protect hospitals from future attacks.

The war in El Fasher has created a healthcare crisis that will take years, if not decades, to fully resolve. Beyond the immediate need for medical supplies and emergency care, the long-term health effects of the conflict are likely to be profound. Malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and the psychological trauma experienced by civilians and healthcare workers alike will require sustained attention long after the fighting has stopped.

The collapse of sanitation systems and the destruction of water sources have made El Fasher a breeding ground for waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery. Malaria, which is already a major health issue in the region, is expected to become even more widespread due to the lack of preventative measures like insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial drugs. These public health challenges will require large-scale interventions to prevent future outbreaks and control existing ones.

The mental health crisis caused by the conflict is another area of concern. Many civilians, especially children, have been exposed to extreme violence, displacement, and the loss of loved ones. These experiences can have lasting psychological effects, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Unfortunately, mental health services in El Fasher were limited even before the conflict, and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure has made access to psychological care even more difficult.

International organizations will need to work closely with local health providers to establish mental health programs that address both immediate needs and long-term care. This could include training local health workers in trauma counseling, setting up mental health clinics, and integrating mental health services into existing healthcare facilities. Addressing the psychological toll of the conflict is critical to helping the population heal and move forward.

Another potential avenue for supporting the recovery of healthcare in El Fasher is the involvement of the Sudanese diaspora. Many Sudanese healthcare professionals who have fled the country or are working abroad could play a vital role in rebuilding the health system. By offering their expertise, skills, and resources, these professionals could help train new healthcare workers, provide much-needed medical care, and raise awareness about the situation in Sudan.

Several international efforts have already begun to mobilize the Sudanese diaspora in response to the ongoing conflict. Virtual training programs, financial contributions, and medical missions are all ways in which diaspora communities can support the recovery of healthcare services in El Fasher. In the past, diaspora groups have been instrumental in supporting healthcare initiatives in post-conflict regions, and their involvement could be critical to El Fasher’s long-term recovery.

The Sudanese diaspora can also serve as powerful advocates for international attention and intervention. By raising awareness in their host countries, they can help secure the international support and funding needed to rebuild the healthcare system and address the broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

The humanitarian crisis in El Fasher is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that war can have on a city’s health infrastructure and its people. As the conflict rages on, the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, and the people of El Fasher are in desperate need of immediate assistance. While local healthcare workers, volunteers, and international organizations have made heroic efforts to keep the system afloat, they cannot do it alone.

The international community must step up its efforts to provide humanitarian aid, negotiate ceasefires, and establish humanitarian corridors that allow medical supplies and personnel to reach those in need. The reconstruction of El Fasher’s healthcare system will require sustained financial support, the involvement of local and international experts, and a coordinated global response.

Only through collective action can the people of El Fasher hope to rebuild their city’s healthcare system and ensure that they have access to the medical care they need to survive and thrive. The world cannot afford to look away while El Fasher’s healthcare system crumbles under the weight of war. The time to act is now.