Sudan's Women 'Bear the Brunt of War As Maternal Deaths Surge'

Khartoum – Sudan's war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is now in its third year. This conflict has severely impacted women, especially as the health system collapses. Maternal mortality rates have increased significantly. Pregnant women and new mothers are particularly vulnerable amid displacement, hunger, and poverty.

The maternal mortality rate has risen to 295 deaths per 100,000 live births. Health Minister Haitham Mohammed Ibrahim reported that from June 2023 to July 2024, there were 870 maternal deaths. Of these, 350 occurred in hospitals or health facilities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over 1.1 million pregnant women lack access to basic services. These include antenatal care, safe delivery, and postpartum care.

Nora is a grieving mother from Gereida in South Darfur. Her critically ill daughter was transferred to Merowe Hospital after a long journey. Sadly, she died shortly after giving birth. Nora was seen praying while waiting for transport back home with her newborn granddaughter.

In Gereida, locals report that health services are nearly non-existent. The area has only one rural hospital shared by three administrative units. This hospital lacks essential equipment and medical staff, forcing residents to travel far for basic tests.

Health Minister Ibrahim expressed concern about maternal deaths due to the war. He confirmed a child mortality rate of 51 deaths per 1,000 live births. The UN previously estimated Sudan's maternal mortality at 270 per 100,000 live births; now it stands at an alarming figure of 100 per 10,000 births.

Dr Adiba Ibrahim from the Sudanese Medical Association warned that most health institutions have collapsed. She stated this worsens healthcare in conflict zones. The Organisation for the Fight Against Violence Against Women and Children reported over 316,000 cholera deaths and more than half a million dengue fever cases.

Dr Adiba also noted that many pregnant women suffer from malnutrition and thousands of children have died due to it. She reported numerous cases of sexual assault involving children aged between five and sixteen years.

Displaced families continue struggling to access basic care amidst ongoing violence. In Tanqasi village near Merowe, Radia sleeps on the ground outside a hospital with her injured daughter and young son after fleeing bombardments in North Darfur.

Her daughter suffers from an untreated foot injury but they cannot afford treatment costs totaling SDG500,000 for surgery or even SDG25,000 daily fees for hospitalization. "We share meals with other patients," Radia said sadly.

Radia's story reflects those of many Sudanese who have lost homes and dignity due to fighting between SAF and RSF forces. Women's access to healthcare has been devastated by this war as they face dangerous journeys often leading to tragic outcomes.

The Sudan Media Forum highlights this escalating crisis affecting women and children urgently needing humanitarian aid and medical intervention during this ongoing conflict.