The ongoing heavy fighting in Sudan is posing a grave threat to pregnant women, rendering it perilous for them to leave their homes and seek essential medical care. Approximately 219,000 pregnant women in Khartoum alone are at risk, with many expected to give birth in the coming weeks. However, violent clashes have created an environment of fear and danger, making it extremely challenging for women to access critical maternal and newborn care.

The escalation of violence has forced several hospitals in Khartoum to shut down, exacerbating the healthcare crisis in the region. Even the remaining 12 operational hospitals across the country are facing imminent closure due to power and water cuts, as well as a severe shortage of medical staff.

The conflict has resulted in healthcare workers being unable to travel to their workplaces, further straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system. Additionally, the delivery of vital humanitarian aid has been severely hampered, leaving medical facilities understaffed, overwhelmed, and running dangerously low on essential medical supplies.

The current insecurity has created an almost insurmountable barrier to the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid, coinciding with a time when Sudan is facing unprecedented needs. The situation calls for urgent attention and assistance to alleviate the suffering of the people.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) continues to play a crucial role in providing life-saving healthcare, distributing supplies for safe births, and offering support to midwives on the ground. Their efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the crisis on pregnant women and ensure access to essential maternal healthcare services.

Amidst these challenging circumstances, it is imperative for humanitarian organizations, governments, and individuals to step forward and support the efforts to sustain and expand vital services in Sudan. By providing necessary resources, it is possible to help mitigate the devastating impact of the conflict on the most vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and their unborn children.

To address the urgent needs of pregnant women and contribute to the provision of critical maternal care during this difficult time in Sudan, assistance and contributions to support the UNFPA and other humanitarian organizations are urgently required.