̽����ѡ

Serving with the ̽����ѡ (̽����ѡ) in Sudan, Dr. Mogahed, a dedicated medical professional, stands at the forefront, combating the heartbreaking impact of child malnutrition and delivering vital healthcare to the most vulnerable populations.

A journey of dedication

Driven by a desire to help the world’s most vulnerable, Dr. Mogahed joined the ̽����ѡ as a medical doctor in July 2022. At Tunaydbah camp in Al Gedaref, Dr. Mogahed is dedicated to offering vital care to individuals in crisis. 

Initially focusing on providing aid to Ethiopian refugees affected by conflict, the situation shifted dramatically in April 2023 with increased armed conflict in Sudan. Presently, the majority of Dr. Mogahed's patients are Sudanese people displaced within their own country.

“I feel what they feel”

Mogahed, like those he treats, possesses firsthand experience of displacement and the transformative impact of conflict on one's life. Before making the difficult decision to abandon their home, Mogahed witnessed many people from surrounding villages on the move. 

“They had to flee, walking barefoot 25 or 30 kms,” Mogahed shares. “And when they arrived in our town, they were in a terrible and miserable situation. Even their feet had multiple injuries.”

Dr. Mogahed, 29, works at the ̽����ѡ medical clinic in the Tunaydbah refugee camp.

Photo: Noory Taha for the ̽����ѡ

When the conflict extended to Mogahed's family's area, he promptly evacuated the female members for their safety, accompanying them himself. While some relatives remain in their homeland, he is currently unable to reach or reconnect with them. “There is no internet connection in my state, so for two months I haven't heard their voices and I don't know what is happening with them.”

A day in the life of a doctor in Sudan

As the conflict continues, the ̽����ѡ is the only remaining partner at Tunaydbah camp for internally displaced people, leaving Dr. Mogahed and his team with heavy workloads as they try to help as many people as they can. 

Dr. Mogahed’s packed schedule includes 50 patients a day, not counting emergencies. “Every day we have a lot on our plates,” he says. The medical needs of people in the camp vary greatly from chronic illnesses and fevers to mental health issues as well as child malnutrition.  The team also has to deal with limited resources and a high turnover of staff due to the challenging conditions.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Dr. Mogahed remains dedicated to his work and making a difference in the lives of those living in Tunaydbah camp. He believes that access to healthcare is a basic human right and strives to provide quality medical care to all, regardless of their background or current situation.

Dr. Mogahed consults with a client and her child at an ̽����ѡ medical clinic in Gedaref, Sudan.

Photo: Noory Taha for the ̽����ѡ

Impact in action: A refugee mother’s experience with child malnutrition

Almas, a 33-year-old mother of three, escaped Ethiopia for Sudan in search of safety. They were forced to flee so quickly that they had to leave behind all their money and possessions. “I just wanted my children to live,” she says. “I just took my children and two pieces of clothing and left. I didn’t take anything else.”

Like many refugees in Sudan, Almas is facing an uphill battle to provide for her family. The daily challenge stems from the scarcity of food and their financial constraints. During the spring season, Almas encountered a distressing situation as her young son battled acute malnutrition.

Almas, 29, sits with her family inside their tent in the Gedaref camp. War forced them to flee their home, making it difficult to find enough food to feed their family.

Photo: Noory Taha for the ̽����ѡ

The dedicated ̽����ѡ doctors, led by Dr. Mogahed, promptly intervened to ensure the child received the vital care he urgently required. After three weeks of diligent treatment, Almas witnessed a significant improvement in her son's condition as he began to regain weight and progress steadily towards recovery.

In spite of unimaginable odds and with her son’s health improving, Almas remains hopeful for the future. “I wish that we can live well, be comfortable, and be at peace with our family in Sudan and Ethiopia.”

How is the ̽����ѡ supporting people in Sudan?

Since the start of the conflict, the ̽����ѡ has adapted and scaled up our programming in Sudan to address increased humanitarian needs. We are supporting people who have been displaced internally through economic empowerment services, health and nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene programs. 

The ̽����ѡ also provides protection and empowerment services for women and children, including for gender-based violence survivors in Blue Nile, Gederef, Khartoum and South Kordofan states. We have established offices in new regions, including Port Sudan, and launched an emergency response in the River Nile and White Nile State to deliver cash assistance, safe water, and sanitation and hygiene services to vulnerable communities. 

Learn more about how you can support the fight against child malnutrition in Sudan.

Midwife Zakia presents a delivery kit to Samher, 19, as part of the ̽����ѡ's antenatal care services. The ̽����ѡ's program ensures expecting mothers in the Gedaref camp have access to critical resources throughout their pregnancy journey.

Photo: Noory Taha for the ̽����ѡ