Self-care for maternal and reproductive health in conflict settings: qualitative case study in Nuba Mountains, Sudan

The findings present a compelling narrative of communal self-care, challenging the conventional notion of self-care as solely individualistic. In this setting, the community's role is fundamental, with knowledge sharing and mutual support forming the bedrock of maternal health practices. Elder women, embodying repositories of perceived traditional wisdom, emerge as central figures, guiding pregnant and postpartum women through shared experiences and practices. This collective approach is not merely a cultural characteristic but a necessity born out of the region's limited healthcare infrastructure and ongoing conflict. The study underscores the need to recognize and integrate these communal self-care strategies into broader health interventions.