13 July 2026, Port Sudan, Sudan – Mariam Abkar Ibrahim, 24, lives with her husband and 4 children in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Garsila, Central Darfur. Mariam’s family was displaced from their village in 2024 as conflict intensified across Darfur. Since then, life has been marked by limited access to food, shelter and health services.

When Mariam became pregnant, she and her husband welcomed the news with joy. At the same time, they worried about whether she would be able to access the care needed for a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Mariam sought antenatal care at WHO-supported Garsila Hospital in Central Darfur. Rehabilitated through funding from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (EU ECHO), the hospital provides essential maternal and newborn health services to conflict-affected communities. Health workers at the hospital closely monitored her pregnancy. During one of her visits, an ultrasound examination revealed that she was carrying triplets, classifying her pregnancy as high risk and requiring specialized care and regular follow-up.

As her pregnancy progressed, Mariam received regular care at the hospital. When she began experiencing persistent labour contractions, her family quickly arranged transport to the hospital, 3 km from the IDP camp where they were staying.

Upon arrival, the medical team assessed her condition and admitted her to the maternity ward for emergency obstetric care. A team of skilled doctors, midwives and nurses safely delivered 3 healthy babies.

Today, Mariam and her newborn triplets are healthy and thriving thanks to timely access to quality maternal and newborn care.

“I was worried for my safety and for the safety of my babies because my pregnancy was difficult. I kept thinking about what could happen if complications arose during delivery,” said Mariam. “Thanks to the doctors and nurses at the hospital, my babies and I received the care we needed. I am grateful that we all survived.”

Sudan’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 256 deaths per 100 000 live births, nearly 4 times the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100 000 live births. Many deaths result from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The conflict in Sudan has further limited access to essential maternal and child health services: currently, just 63% of health facilities across Sudan are fully or partially functional, of which around 75% provide antenatal care with support from health partners operating on the ground.

“We are deeply grateful for the support provided by WHO and the Sudan Family Planning Association. This assistance has helped restore the hospital’s capacity to provide essential health services and enabled us to continue serving the many communities that depend on this facility for care,” said Gisma Hassan Awad, Acting Medical Director of Garsila Hospital.

Through funding from EU ECHO, WHO rehabilitated Garsila Hospital to strengthen maternal and newborn health services. The project included rehabilitation of the maternity ward, installation of solar power systems and the provision of medical supplies and oxygen, strengthening essential health services and helping restore hospital operations disrupted by the ongoing conflict.

Across Sudan, WHO works with implementing partners such as the Sudan Family Planning Association to rehabilitate health facilities and sustain the delivery of essential health services in conflict-affected areas. Through funding from EU ECHO, WHO has supported the operation of 10 hospitals, 15 primary health care centres and 2 mobile clinics across 9 states, providing access to more than 320 000 consultations, including maternal and surgical services, over a period of 6 months.