Mothers on the Frontline

The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has had devastating effects on maternal health services across the country. More than 1.1 million pregnant women are now in urgent need of medical care as health care infrastructure crumbles under the strain of violence. Hospitals and health centers have been destroyed or rendered inaccessible, and shortages of medical supplies and the widespread loss of health care workers have left many women without access to essential maternal services, including antenatal care, safe delivery assistance, and postnatal care. Consequently, countless women are forced to give birth in unsafe conditions without the presence of skilled health care personnel, dramatically increasing the risk of complications such as sepsis, hemorrhage, and obstructed labor. The conflict also has contributed to a surge in preterm births due to heightened stress, insecurity, and malnutrition affecting expectant mothers. In addition to the physical dangers, the psychological toll on pregnant women is profound. The trauma of living in war-torn regions, displacement, and the constant threat of violence have led to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Furthermore, the conflict has exacerbated incidents of sexual and gender-based violence, further endangering the lives of women and compounding their psychological trauma. This article examines the diverse aspects of the maternal health crisis in Sudan, calling for immediate humanitarian aid, including medical, nutritional, and psychosocial support. Long-term solutions also are needed to rebuild maternal health services and address the ongoing physical and psychological suffering of Sudanese women and their children.