Meet the dedicated doctor battling child malnutrition in Sudan
Source: https://www.rescue.org/
Serving with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) 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 IRC 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. Mogaheds 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 ones 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.”
When the conflict extended to Mogaheds familys 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 havent heard their voices and I dont know what is happening with them.”
A day in the life of a doctor in Sudan
As the conflict continues, the IRC 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.
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.
The dedicated IRC 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 sons 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.”
