The conflict in Sudan has led to a humanitarian crisis of disastrous proportions, particularly affecting displaced pregnant women. According to data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), nearly 2.7 million women of reproductive age are displaced, with more than 272,000 pregnant women, of whom approximately 91,000 are expected to give birth in the next three months.
The war, which has been raging for nearly 20 months, has pushed the country to the brink, with entire regions cut off from humanitarian assistance. More than 12 million people are displaced, including more than eight million within Sudan and more than three million in neighbouring countries.
Sudan was already facing years of humanitarian crisis, but the conflict has triggered an intensified humanitarian catastrophe of immeasurable proportions, particularly for women and children, according to UNFPA. Millions of people are displaced, facing hunger, disease and violence.
Every day, on average, 20,000 people are newly displaced, including pregnant women fleeing for their lives and unable to access antenatal, safe delivery or postnatal health services, as up to 80% of health facilities are closed or barely functioning in crisis areas. As a result, women are dying from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.
“After giving birth, I worry about the cold and not having a proper place for my baby. We have no home, we sleep outside on the ground,” says Sabreen Abdulrahman, a displaced mother of three who is nine months pregnant with her fourth child.
The United Nations estimates that nearly 1.5 million people across Sudan are at risk of famine, including about 35,800 pregnant women.
This critical situation calls for immediate action to protect and support these displaced pregnant women, ensuring access to basic health care and a safe environment for childbirth. The urgency is absolute, and it is imperative that the international community mobilizes to alleviate the suffering of these vulnerable populations in Sudan.