In Sudan, maternity wards have resumed operations, providing hope to mothers amid ongoing conflict. On July 6, 2026, the Omdurman Maternity Hospital reopened, allowing women to give birth safely after years of war-related closures. Mothers like Al-Toma Jabara are now able to celebrate new beginnings with their newborns.
Resumption of Maternity Services in Omdurman
The reopening of maternity hospitals in Omdurman, particularly the Al-Dayat Hospital, marks a significant milestone for maternal health in Sudan. Al-Toma Jabara shared her experience, stating, "I was unable to conceive during the war years." This highlights the challenges faced by women during the conflict, including separation from partners and constant threats to safety.
Fatima Abdel Rahman, another mother from Al Jazirah state, recounted her journey to Khartoum for delivery. She faced overwhelming financial burdens, spending a major portion of her family's income on transportation and accommodation. "The functioning maternity ward provided me with a vital sense of safety," she noted, emphasizing the importance of accessible medical care.
Challenges in the Health Sector
During the conflict, many women resorted to unsafe home births or traveled long distances to access care, leading to increased maternal and infant mortality rates. An official from the Khartoum State Ministry of Health confirmed that complications surged during the war due to hospital closures. However, as services resume, rates of complications are gradually decreasing.
Currently, the Omdurman Maternity Hospital is witnessing a significant rise in births, with approximately 7,000 new deliveries recorded monthly. Director Emad Abdullah reported an increase from just one or two cases daily at reopening to about 60 births per day now, showcasing the growing demand for maternity services.
Economic Impact and Ongoing Issues
The costs associated with maternity care vary widely. At government hospitals, a natural birth costs about 130,000 Sudanese pounds ($216), while C-sections reach 400,000 pounds ($666). Private facilities charge even higher, with natural births around 500,000 pounds ($813) and C-sections between 600,000-800,000 pounds ($999-1,322).
- Natural birth at government hospitals: 130,000 pounds ($216)
- C-section at government hospitals: 400,000 pounds ($666)
- Natural birth at private hospitals: 500,000 pounds ($813)
- C-section at private hospitals: 600,000-800,000 pounds ($999-1,322)
Despite the reopening of maternity wards, challenges persist. Patients from distant regions face exhausting journeys and high transport costs, while hospitals experience shortages of basic medicines and overcrowded emergency rooms. The departure of medical professionals during the conflict has also created a staffing gap.
Amira Othman Abdel Majeed, an infection control officer at Bahri Hospital, described the war as a challenging period for healthcare, compounded by severe supply shortages. Nevertheless, she remarked that the "liberation of Khartoum" has catalyzed a positive transformation in the health sector, allowing staff to emerge stronger and more resilient.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
