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The following witness testimony recounts the harrowing journey of Mariam*, a mother in South Darfur, Sudan, who risked everything to bring her critically ill baby to a hospital in Nyala. Despite facing immense challenges, Mariam's determination prevailed. The personal account highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the critical role of medical humanitarian organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in providing essential care in conflict-ridden regions.
Dr Ahmed Seedat:
“Mariam’s* determination will always stay with me. Her baby was frail, barely clinging to life when she arrived at our hospital in Nyala, South Darfur in Sudan. Against every obstacle — her husband absent, her family skeptical, and miles of treacherous roads — she brought her child to us. Her mother had told her, ‘You already have five children; why risk everything for one who might not survive?’ But Mariam refused to give up.
When she finally reached us, the baby was on the brink of death. My colleagues worked for two grueling hours to resuscitate the infant. It was one of those moments where hope felt like an act of defiance. Miraculously, the baby survived, and so did Mariam. For us, it wasn’t just a medical victory; it was a testament to human resilience—hers and that of the team.
I worked as the medical activity manager for MSF in Nyala, the second-largest city in Sudan, where our main focus was Nyala Teaching Hospital. This facility, once a pillar of healthcare, had been devastated by the recent conflict. Our team was tasked with reviving three departments: pediatrics, maternity, and emergency care.
The work wasn’t easy. We treated hundreds of patients daily in a hospital with unreliable electricity, no functioning radiology service and limited laboratory services. Supplies were scarce, and the rainy season turned every road into an obstacle course. Two critical bridges washed away while I was there, stranding trucks carrying medical supplies. In one surreal moment, we resorted to flying in boats to ferry equipment across swollen rivers. And still, the community amazed me with their ingenuity — creating zip lines to transport goods and even babies across those same waterways.
The conditions faced by the people there are almost unimaginable. Violence was ever-present, whether from armed conflict or the lawlessness that left people vulnerable to robbery and assault. Beyond that, the seasonal rains brought surges in malaria, diarrheal diseases, and malnutrition, especially among children. One child after another came to us with advanced illnesses, their tiny bodies worn down by preventable conditions made deadly by delayed access to care.
Pregnant women faced unique challenges. Emergency maternal care was free at our hospital, but the lack of antenatal services meant complications were often caught too late. Our team saw countless cases of maternal and neonatal sepsis, a grim reality in a bombed-out hospital where sterile conditions were difficult to maintain. Yet, we pressed on, performing surgeries in less-than-ideal conditions and training local staff to ensure that every woman and child had a fighting chance.
For every patient like Mariam and her baby, there were many we couldn’t save. Those are the stories that haunt you. Families unable to afford transportation to better-equipped facilities. A man with a gunshot wound stabilized in our emergency department, only to face catastrophic expenses at the next hospital. Children whose lives we couldn’t save because we lacked the resources to treat chronic conditions. These moments were tough, but they underscored why MSF’s presence was vital. Without the team, many wouldn’t even have had that first chance at survival.
Our colleagues were extraordinary. Many were doctors and nurses who could have left for safer opportunities but stayed out of a sense of duty. They’d been through personal tragedies, but they showed up every day to serve their community.
South Darfur in Sudan is what some have called a ‘humanitarian desert,’ a region largely abandoned by international aid organizations due to its volatility. MSF was one of the few still operating there, and its logistical capabilities allowed us to reach places others couldn’t. While other agencies struggled to get trucks across borders, we found ways — sometimes unconventional — to deliver what was needed.
The people of Sudan deserve more than what little the world is offering. They deserve consistent, quality healthcare, free from the shadow of violence and neglect. Every life saved, every mother comforted, and every child treated was a step toward showing them that the world hadn’t completely forgotten them.
Mariam’s story is a reminder of why we were there. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis, but in moments like those, when a mother’s hope and the team’s dedication align to defy the odds, you realize the importance of what we do. MSF goes where others won’t, not because it’s easy, but because people like Mariam and her baby deserve a chance.”
* Names have been changed
Photos by MSF with patients' consent.
