Sudan’s maternity wards reopen, bringing hope amid post-war struggles | Health
Hospitals in Sudan’s Capital Reopen to Mothers Amid Ongoing Challenges
Published July 6, 2026
In Omdurman, Sudan, the Al-Dayat maternity hospital has resumed operations after a prolonged closure due to conflict, allowing mothers to return to the ward despite ongoing economic and logistical challenges.
Al-Toma Jabara, a mother from East Nile, recently gave birth to her daughter, Doaa, at the facility. Jabara faced numerous hardships during the war years, including two years of separation from her husband due to fighting between Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces. She described the war as a time filled with fear and uncertainty, making the birth of her daughter a “new beginning” for her family.
Nearby at Bahri Hospital, Fatima Abdel Rahman shared her challenging journey from Al Jazirah state to Khartoum, where she incurred significant expenses for transportation and accommodations to monitor her post-delivery condition. Further complicating her situation, Abdel Rahman faced medication shortages, forcing her to purchase essential drugs at inflated prices. Despite these challenges, she expressed relief that the maternity ward operated, alleviating her fears regarding access to medical care during the war.
The conflict had forced many women to either seek unsafe home births or travel long distances for care, greatly increasing risks for mothers and infants alike. An official from the Khartoum State Ministry of Health confirmed a rise in maternal and infant complications and mortality during the conflict due to the closure of specialized facilities.
With services gradually resuming, the complication rates are beginning to decline. The health ministry has reopened 15 maternity wards across the capital, including Al-Dayat and the Saudi Hospital. Currently, hospitals are witnessing an increase in births, with approximately 7,000 deliveries occurring each month.
Emad Abdullah, director of the Omdurman Maternity Hospital, reported that daily arrivals had increased from just one or two cases at reopening to around 60 births per day as demand continues to grow. The facility boasts critical units, including a caesarean section, an intensive care unit, and the largest neonatal department in Sudan, equipped with nearly 140 incubators.
Maternity costs vary significantly across hospitals. A natural birth at a government facility can cost approximately 130,000 Sudanese pounds ($216), while a C-section is around 400,000 pounds ($666). In private hospitals, these prices rise sharply, reaching 500,000 pounds ($813) for a natural birth and between 600,000 to 800,000 pounds ($999-$1,322) for C-sections, depending on the level of service.
Despite the reopening of facilities in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri, significant hurdles remain. Patients from distant regions like Al Jazirah and Kordofan still face arduous journeys and high transport costs. Additionally, hospitals are experiencing shortages of essential medicines, with emergency rooms operating above capacity. The conflict has resulted in a critical shortage of qualified medical staff, as many doctors and nurses have fled the area.
Amira Othman Abdel Majeed, an infection control officer at Bahri Hospital, emphasized that the conflict has placed immense strain on the healthcare system, characterized by severe shortages of supplies, electricity, and water. This environment has created significant psychological pressure on medical staff.
However, she noted that the resumption of maternity services signifies a crucial turning point. The recovery of healthcare services in Khartoum is seen as a symbol of resilience and hope for a better future in the capital’s health sector.