The headlines are heartbreaking: Since the fighting broke out nearly two weeks ago in Sudan, hundreds have been killed and thousands injured.
Before the fighting erupted, some 15.8 million people – about a third of the Sudanese population – were already in need of aid. Over 1 million of these people are refugees who had made the difficult decision to flee violence in places like South Sudan and Ethiopia to find safety and rebuild their lives in Sudan. Now they are caught in the middle of another armed conflict and the need has skyrocketed.
The situation is even more dire for pregnant women in the region. It is estimated that there are 219,000 pregnant women in Khartoum alone and that 24,000 of them are expected to give birth in the coming weeks.
Already, there are many devastating reports of pregnant women being forced to give birth without medical help, at their homes without water or electricity, or even in cars. Reports of sexual assault and violence against women and girls are surfacing as well.
Amidst this armed conflict in Sudan, a pregnant woman was desperately trying to get a hospital as she began labor. On the way, she got caught in the military crossfire and was shot. She was rushed to the hospital, and immediately received care and support from UNFPA medical personnel. While we were able to save the baby, tragically, the mother died.
But at this critical moment, resources to respond to these needs are under pressure because of the violence. Many hospitals in the region have come under attack, and others have been forced to shut down due to power outages, water shortages, and dwindling medical supplies.
Every second truly counts – and your support can make all the difference for a woman in need of care. UNFPA is on the ground right now, scaling up lifesaving care in Sudan, but the need is growing every day. Please, friend rush a generous emergency gift right now.
Thank you for taking action during this difficult moment. Your donation will go toward supporting women and girls in this crisis and around the world where it is needed most.
Your gift will deliver lifesaving sexual and reproductive health care to women and girls in more than 150 countries around the world. Thank you for being there for every woman and girl.
