Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Smoke rising in Khartoum, capital of Sudan. Heavy gunfire was heard on Saturday in Sudanese capital, Khartoum. Xinhua News Agency/PA Images

Doctor on the front line in Sudan 'Even ambulances are being turned back'

MSF’s country representative in Sudan, Dr Ghazali Babiker outlines the major challenges he and his teams face in Sudan as fighting rages.

EVERYWHERE IN SUDAN, our teams with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams are facing serious challenges. The worst hit areas so far are Khartoum, Darfur, North Kordofan and Gedaref states. Our premises in Nyala, South Darfur, in the west of the country, have been looted – including one of our warehouses. 

In the capital Khartoum, most of our teams are trapped by the ongoing heavy fighting and are unable to access warehouses to deliver vital medical supplies to hospitals. In Khartoum, even ambulances are being turned back. They are not being permitted to pass in order to retrieve the bodies of the dead from the streets – or to transport those who have been injured to hospital.

Care in conflict 

In Khartoum and other cities where fighting is intense, we have received reports of overstretched and closed hospitals – running out of supplies, water, electricity and fuel for generators.

destroyed-military-vehicles-are-seen-in-southern-in-khartoum-sudan-thursday-april-20-2023-the-latest-attempt-at-a-cease-fire-between-the-rival-sudanese-forces-faltered-as-gunfire-rattled-the-capi Destroyed military vehicles are seen in southern in Khartoum, Sudan, Thursday, April 20, 2023. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The staff in those medical facilities have been working nonstop since the violence erupted and are completely exhausted. Many have been on duty for many hours, providing lifesaving care in extremely difficult circumstances despite the impact of the situation on them and their own families.

It’s also proving difficult for the medical staff who’ve been off duty to now reach the hospitals to provide lifesaving care due to intense fighting and insecurity. 

We are ready to provide supplies and medical personnel to key functional health facilities that need support, but it is too dangerous for anyone to move within Khartoum and other cities. 

For the sake of all vulnerable patients, we are urging all parties to the conflict to guarantee the safety of all our medical staff and their patients, so that they can access healthcare facilities without fearing for their lives. We are additionally requesting that all parties to the conflict ensure that all health facilities – including hospitals, clinics, warehouses and ambulances – are protected. They should never be a target.

hiv-clinic-in-south-sudan An employee of the international aid organisation 'Doctors Without Borders' (MSF) uses a megaphone to invite market visitors to get tested for HIV for free, in Nambiri, South Sudan as part of their work there. DPA / PA Images DPA / PA Images / PA Images

The majority of the wounded we’re seeing in Al Fasher are civilians who were caught in the crossfire – and among them are many children. They have extremely serious injuries and, until Saturday afternoon, there was no surgical capacity in this hospital. All other hospitals in North Darfur have had to close due to their proximity to the fighting, or due to the inability of staff to get to the facilities because of the violence. As a result, between Saturday and Wednesday of this week, we received 220 wounded patients. Very sadly, 34 have died from the severity of their injuries. Currently, although we now have some surgical capacity, there are only 38 beds in this hospital. There is not enough space for them and many are being treated on the floor in the wards and in the corridors.

International support 

As things stand, the hospital is rapidly running out of medical supplies to treat survivors. It is running out of blood for transfusions. Fuel supplies for the hospital generator are also running low.

It’s important to mention that, without those vital supplies, there will be further loss of lives.

We received a list of surgical items that the surgical team urgently requires and were able to get some of these to them – but it is not enough. With the number of wounded we are receiving, these supplies will soon run out. With trouble at the airport in Khartoum, it has been a huge challenge getting access to additional medical supplies and accessing other MSF surgical teams to support the surgeons who are currently at work.

ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfield-of-the-usa-speaks-to-press-on-situation-in-sudan April 17, 2023, New York, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the USA speaks to press on situation in Sudan demanding immediate ceasefire and start negotiations at UN Headquarters. Lev Radin Lev Radin

Following the military coup in 2021, most international support to Sudan was frozen and the ensuing economic crisis has caused the cost of living to increase for the population, resulting in increased food insecurity.

The hospitals were already struggling to function due to a lack of medical supplies and the brain drain of medical personnel.

Sudan’s health system has been on the verge of collapse for decades; the economic crisis and political crisis pushed it to breaking point and this latest development is going to further exacerbate the deteriorating humanitarian needs in the country, which were already at their highest in a decade.

Dr Ghazali Babiker is the country representative for Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Sudan.

voices logo

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
4 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Katherine Nolan
    Favourite Katherine Nolan
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 9:54 PM

    Then they’ll meet him for a pint, slap him on the back and say “Sorry bud, but you know we had to do it. Optics and all that”.

    They are far beyond the point where gestures like this can have any meaning.

    151
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Benjamin Guy Saunders
    Favourite Benjamin Guy Saunders
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 8:42 AM

    Very true Katherine. In my mind FF have no longer any logical mandate as a party.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute david whelan
    Favourite david whelan
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 9:55 PM

    FF should disband now – corruption goes to its very core.

    129
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason Comerford
    Favourite Jason Comerford
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 11:10 AM

    The people could have disbanded FF in one general and one local election if they wanted, starting last Feb, but look what happened. Alas, some sheeple never learn.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Susie Chester
    Favourite Susie Chester
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 9:52 PM

    Great . What about Pee Flynn, Albert Reynolds , biffo, and the rest ? Of and you too Mícheál. FF disbanded.

    125
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Susie Chester
    Favourite Susie Chester
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 11:29 PM

    Adrian not as dumb as ff’ers

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute foggy_lad
    Favourite foggy_lad
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 5:11 AM

    Don’t forget the other waster who wanted to be president, disband the toxic party and burn them bastard bond holders so they never gamble away other people’s money again!

    10
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Mc Dermott
    Favourite Joe Mc Dermott
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 10:19 AM

    dont stop there,, he should be done for treason

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Susie Chester
    Favourite Susie Chester
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 11:01 AM

    Yes . Treason is the only answer.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Begrudgy
    Favourite Begrudgy
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:03 PM

    Load of rubbish. Too late. Every senior member of FF and that includes you Martin knew what was going on for years. You are fooling no one with this proposal of kicking him out. FF were and still are now a disgrace.

    94
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute david whelan
    Favourite david whelan
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:16 PM

    You are so right!

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry campbell
    Favourite Gerry campbell
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:18 PM

    Interesting generalisation from someone without facts to back it up,an endearing Irish trait , ur aptly named.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Hayes
    Favourite Alan Hayes
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 9:59 PM

    Bertie won’t give a fiddlers. He has his pension and his appearance fees. He’s laughing all the way to the bank… oh wait a minute?

    90
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
    Favourite Daisy Chainsaw
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:56 PM

    Probably not an Irish bank, though.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Debbie Ennis
    Favourite Debbie Ennis
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 7:57 AM

    Appearance fees I imagine is gone as who or what want to be associated with the lying two faced prick !!!!!

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Debbie Ennis
    Favourite Debbie Ennis
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 9:57 PM

    If they don’t throw him out now they condone all the lies and corruption that has gone on in the FF party !!! And therefore should disband !!! Oh and take back his pig fat pension and make the lying snake pay what’s owed to the tax man on that €165,000 Gift !!’

    85
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark osullivan
    Favourite Mark osullivan
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 12:52 AM

    That a Japanese spitz?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niamh Leahy
    Favourite Niamh Leahy
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 9:58 PM

    Tom Gilmartin was found by the most part to be a believable witness, How is Michael Martin going to explain now the 5000 grand that was given to him by Gilmartin and put into his wife’s account. The ” that was the way it was done” excuse isn’t going to wash anymore.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Norman Hunter
    Favourite Norman Hunter
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:14 PM

    Its amazing that Martin feels he has no case to answer as he sat as a senior minister in Bertie’s government.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute david whelan
    Favourite david whelan
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:19 PM

    The whole party is engulfed in this corruption – that why they should disband. Never forget, never forgive.

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Norman Hunter
    Favourite Norman Hunter
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:29 PM

    True David but FG aren’t without sin either.This report has done alot to destroy what little trust the Irish people still had in politicans.Time for FG to kick out a few members if they haven’t already,Labour have a few skeletons also.Jail is the best place for these scumbags then seize the money that bought their votes.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Crehan
    Favourite Martin Crehan
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:07 PM

    If the Fianna Fail party disband I’m having a Project X style party and everyone who’s unemployed is invited…

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute david whelan
    Favourite david whelan
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:13 PM

    Please can I come along too? Am working but I hate the bastards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cal Mooney
    Favourite Cal Mooney
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 11:37 PM

    Instead of bitching about it, and suggestign there is no alternative to FF other than than SF…. Start your own party!!!!!!!!! I will watch this space ;)

    8
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Crehan
    Favourite Martin Crehan
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 12:50 AM

    Hi Cal I never suggested there was no alternative to Fianna Fail and no one mentioned Sinn Fein.
    “Project X” is a film about a house party. That is what I would have if they disbanded, a house party.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry campbell
    Favourite Gerry campbell
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:05 PM

    Susie, I feel ur pain but Brian Cowan cannot b mentioned in the same breath as those people, he was not under investigation and u won’t find a hint of corruption connected to him. I am sure he is as hurt and embarrassed by theese people as the rest of us, more probably.

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Begrudgy
    Favourite Begrudgy
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:12 PM

    Boll!x. He was a very senior member of FF. he knew exactly what was going on and kept quiet or tried to brush it under the carpet. He is as guilty as bertie.

    81
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ryan oneill
    Favourite Ryan oneill
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:21 PM

    Brian ‘the jowls’ Cowan was at it like the rest of them, only he never got caught out. ! FF are rotten and I mean ROTTEN to the very core!

    66
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Susie Chester
    Favourite Susie Chester
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 11:36 PM

    Careful now Gerry campbell….
    I did not say Brian Cowen , …….. Biffo is what I said , funny that you assumed B. Cowen :)

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bua_na_cainte
    Favourite Bua_na_cainte
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:50 PM

    Do they think the irish people were born yesterday? If there was any truth or conviction behind their words they would take away his €2800 a week pension and replace it with state pension rates. Them throw him in jail. Couldn’t agree more with begrudgery, it’s not like any of this is new ground breaking news, every one of them knew what was going on and are equally as guilty for turning a blind eye.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave O'Shea
    Favourite Dave O'Shea
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 12:35 AM

    Yes they do think we were born yesterday and we prove it everyday by sitting on our holes doing nothing.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Kehoe
    Favourite Tom Kehoe
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:21 PM

    Unbecoming of a member of Fianna Fail… cos he was caught?

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fiona Maguire
    Favourite Fiona Maguire
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:16 PM

    Ahearns Conduct was unbecoming of the dogs in the street

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paige C Harrison
    Favourite Paige C Harrison
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:23 PM

    Even a cursory review of this party’s history would suggest that Bertie Ahern’s conduct was entirely becoming of a FF leader/member. Just saying.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Doherty
    Favourite Kevin Doherty
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:47 PM

    In 2007 all of FF were behind Bertie backing him up and dismissing the tribunal and their questioning, why? Because he was electoral asset, no he is a major liability and they are dropping him like a hot snot and cant get far enough away from him.

    Politics is all about getting elected and then re-elected. Chameleons the lot of them

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Farrelly
    Favourite Michael Farrelly
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 11:28 PM

    Big change from Micheal Martin compared to his very strong support for Bertie during the tribunal. God they are great at changing to whatever way the wind blows. If he wants to be in anyway serious he should STOP THE CORRUPT MINISTERIAL PENSIONS – NOW!!!!!

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neil Young
    Favourite Neil Young
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:19 PM

    Conduct unbecoming? Will someone tell me please what could anyone possibly do in FF that could be regarded as unbecoming by their standards..?

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Enda McCabe
    Favourite Enda McCabe
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:33 PM

    Get caught?

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Susie Chester
    Favourite Susie Chester
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 11:40 PM

    :) :) :)

    7
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Rose Joshua McQuinn
    Favourite Mary Rose Joshua McQuinn
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 10:21 AM

    @ Enda McCabe – Classic!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Enda McCabe
    Favourite Enda McCabe
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:11 PM

    Oh look, there’s the horse over on the far hill, shut the doors anyway. Pack of gobsh1tes.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerard Walsh
    Favourite Gerard Walsh
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 9:58 PM

    This country was builted with brown envelopes, so bloody what.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dhakina's Sword
    Favourite Dhakina's Sword
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 4:54 AM

    So bloody what?. I’ll tell you. People are starving!. That’s so what. People are under enormous stress and are afraid of losing their homes, that’s what. And if the point was not made clear enough for you, people are committing suicide.! Now, do you get it?.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Dunne
    Favourite Andrew Dunne
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:37 PM

    FF disbanded thank u …

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy BeBop
    Favourite Paddy BeBop
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:51 PM

    Roll on the revolution. A lot these Fianna Fáil boyo’s will be in Gulags for their crimes

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Kehoe
    Favourite Tom Kehoe
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 10:23 PM

    Oh now I get it… ‘unbecoming’ is another word for ‘typical’

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karl O Flynn
    Favourite Karl O Flynn
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 11:19 PM

    No revolution here !!!! People are not eating grass on the side of the road “YET”. There’s one thing for sure. Fianna Failure are finished for good. Good riddens!!!!!

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin daly
    Favourite Kevin daly
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 11:23 PM

    Exactly paddy! God speed the day!!!!let justice prevail! Can’t wait for the day when someone dances on Bertie’s grave! Like haughy!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin O Donnell
    Favourite Martin O Donnell
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 12:26 AM

    love the way everyone has tunnel vision blame FF for everything now let’s rewind… the mahon report names a lot of FG corruption why are u guys not calling for their heads… the current gov are liars cheats and more corrupt than FF… SO CMO N LET’S CALL A SPADE A SPADE AND GET THEM OUT

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard Keogh
    Favourite Richard Keogh
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 1:17 AM

    Exactly Martin, the tribunal’s report doesn’t find Ahern guilty of corruption, something it does of many FF/FG/LAB councillors. They are all as bad as one another but the government are only too happy to let the media go after Ahern while keeping stum about their many sinners.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael J Hartnett
    Favourite Michael J Hartnett
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 5:41 AM

    I think if these guys are brought yo the courts they should loose all pay related to their political careers. This is treason!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan L Collins
    Favourite Brendan L Collins
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 5:24 AM

    Why don’t a go one step further and expel him from the country. My fear is that he will be send to jail for tax avoidance, ending up choosing the tax payer more money.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cian Devane
    Favourite Cian Devane
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 1:46 AM

    His behavior is FF to its core. Haughey sowed the seeds, Bertie followed through.

    The bigger issue here is that the body politic is a shambles, the civil servants have the real power and the people are suffering now because another corrupt institution EU/ECB has Ireland on its knees.

    Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. FG is next.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Byrne
    Favourite Peter Byrne
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 7:42 AM

    Does anyone know if they get to keep their pensions after being expelled?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Shannon
    Favourite Pat Shannon
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 1:43 AM

    just going on from what “bua” said. Although Bertie wad cleared and is said to have done nothing illegal what about Phadraig Flynn will they strip him off his pensions or will they let him go

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Byrne
    Favourite Peter Byrne
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 7:49 AM

    Does anyone know if they get to keep their pensions is expelled?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrea Rock Massey
    Favourite Andrea Rock Massey
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 9:19 AM

    Yes, of course. If only it were that easy…

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Murphy
    Favourite Dermot Murphy
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 12:16 PM

    Oh you can be sure they will all keep their lavish pensions.All their pensions should be . stopped.Anyone convicted of dishonest conduct should pay the price.Why does the CAB not arrest bertie.They would if it was me or you.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry campbell
    Favourite Gerry campbell
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2012, 11:47 PM

    Nice one susie, and that Adrian should apologise to you, too no nee for rudeness

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Susie Chester
    Favourite Susie Chester
    Report
    Mar 23rd 2012, 1:51 AM

    Gerry campbell
    What are you talking about , make sense man . … !
    And why can’t you put your comment under my name ? I would have been able to respond to it sooner :)

    5
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds