MAYSA AL QADI

 Sudan- The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan also affect healthcare services. Looting and destruction of health centers have affected women, especially pregnant women in Sudan. Healthcare services are deteriorating since many hospitals are out of service. Due to armed conflict, maternal mortality rates and child deaths are on the rise in the country.

 According to reports, the armed conflict has already internally displaced more than 220,000 pregnant women because the armed conflict parties violate the provisions of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

‘I am seeking a safe place’

“I have no future. We suffer from health and education crises due to the conflict. My children are deprived of education,” said Nana Ali, one of the displaced pregnant women in Sudan. “I am seeking a safe place to give birth. Doctors told me that my baby would need an incubator; however, I will not be able to find an incubator in the current situation.”

 She was worried about her children

Sabreen Siddiq was internally displaced twice while she was pregnant. “I first went to the city of Khartoum and then to the town of Merowe. I did not want to leave my home but I had to due to intense oppression. I was worried about my children and my unborn baby due to the clashes. Then, my husband also came to Merowe. My husband works now to earn a living for us. Our house was broken into after we left it. I gave birth to my child before my pregnancy was completed. Due to our poor financial condition, I could not access healthcare services.”