Sudan: Maternal and Child Health Crisis Deepens in Jebel Marra, Darfur

What the report says

A report distributed by AllAfrica and originally published by the Darfur Network for Human Rights says maternal and child health conditions in Jebel Marra, in Sudan’s Darfur region, are deteriorating because hospitals and health centres remain in short supply. The account describes remote villages where families must transport pregnant women long distances to the nearest clinic, often on foot or carried by community members, because roads are poor and vehicles are scarce.

According to the source, the lack of nearby care is especially dangerous for women facing obstructed or otherwise complicated labour. The report says local communities have seen multiple deaths during journeys to health facilities, underscoring how delays can become fatal when emergency obstetric care is unavailable.

The rights group says it has documented the situation with video showing women, men and young people carrying a pregnant woman toward a distant clinic. It is calling on UN agencies, humanitarian groups, donors and health partners to help expand medical services in the area. Proposed measures include building and equipping hospitals, maternity wards and primary care centres, along with more midwives, ambulances, essential medicines and referral systems.

The broader context is Sudan’s ongoing conflict and humanitarian strain, which have weakened health services in many areas. The Jebel Marra case highlights how rural and conflict-affected communities can face severe barriers to routine and emergency maternal care.