Fathiya: A Doctor Who Believed in Life Amidst Death
moatinoon
In times of war, heroes are not always those who carry weapons. Some forge their heroism through their actions—through a gentle touch, a kind word, and relentless dedication to those in need.
Dr. Fathiya Ahmed Abdel-Majid was not a widely known name, nor did she seek recognition. Yet, in the darkest of times, she became a beacon of light. A pediatrician and neonatologist, she refused to leave, even as war shut every door and left only the door to death wide open.
"I will not leave. I will not abandon the children."
And she kept her word. She stayed when many had no choice but to flee. She stayed despite the bombing, the danger, the absence of safety, medicine, food, and even electricity. At Al-Balak Hospital in Omdurman—where the corridors had turned into frontlines—she remained, holding life in her bare hands, wielding her stethoscope like a shield, and fighting illness and despair with a smile and unwavering resilience.
She was not just a doctor treating children; she became a mother to them all. She soothed them as explosions shook the walls, comforted grieving mothers, and held back her own tears when she had so little left to give.
A Moment of Recognition: Tears and Gratitude
After nearly two years of steadfast dedication, there was no greater tribute to Dr. Fathiya than the tears of her colleagues and the children she had saved from the brink of death. On the morning of Thursday, February 27, 2025, she walked into the hospital, expecting nothing out of the ordinary. But she was met with something extraordinary—staff members waiting in anticipation, familiar and unfamiliar faces, thunderous applause, silent tears, simple sweets, and fresh flowers—a heartfelt gesture of gratitude. Overwhelmed, she could not hold back her own tears.
It was not just a passing moment; it was a rare, deeply human experience. A recognition of a woman who never wavered, never surrendered, and never raised the white flag.
The Sudanese Doctors’ Union honored her in an official statement:
"She has given everything possible—and even the impossible—for the children of Karari, despite the dire circumstances and the severe lack of resources. This tribute speaks for itself, expressing the deep love and admiration shared between the hospital staff and this extraordinary woman. Dr. Fathiya is a source of pride for all doctors, a living example of their dedication in serving their people in gratitude for this great nation."
Dr. Fathiya is more than just a physician—she is a symbol of resilience for all who stayed despite the fear, for those who turned their profession into a mission of hope, and for those who believe that humanity endures, even in times of war.
