Under the strikes: A story of survival 

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Manal Ahmedain Morwih, a third-year medical student at Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

The sound of airstrikes never stopped in my city, the war in Sudan has been going on for almost 2 years now, and every day is a fight to survive. 

Stories of people suffering from the war have not changed, and everyday is another story.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70% – 80% of hospitals in war-affected areas have shut down, while 45% of facilities in other regions have also been compromised. Since April 2023, there have been over 100 attacks on healthcare facilities, with 108 incidents verified by WHO as of mid-September 2024. More than 13 million people have been forcibly displaced, and outbreaks have become so numerous that their exact number is almost impossible to determine. For instance, as of 18 January 2025, there were over 51,300 reported cases of cholera, with 1,359 deaths across 84 localities in 11 states. Recently, Kosti city declared a cholera outbreak that infected over 400 people within 24 hours. Alongside these crises, displaced people face the additional threat of malnutrition, measles, dengue fever, and other chronic diseases. More than 45 incidents have affected health personnel, and 29 have directly impacted patients, with the WHO suggesting that the true number of attacks may be even higher

Attacks on healthcare institutions and personnel are not only tragic, they are a clear violation of the international humanitarian law, which grants medical facilities and workers special protection during conflicts. This indulgence of this dangerous subject makes it insignificant and puts everyone in even greater danger 

I witnessed first-hand the impalpable effect of war on health, people suffered to get treatment and families grew apart to survive. It’s devastating the impact of war on people’s health, and every time I close my eyes, I’m haunted by memories of pain and sorrow.

Families in Sudan face this nightmare every day, and the reality is even more harrowing than what numbers suggest, people are dying everyday for far less than a gunshot, and it feels as if the world has once again failed to protect its most vulnerable

War doesn’t just destroy buildings, it shatters lives, people suffer because they can’t get the care they need, and that’s terrifying and a profound tragedy in an era when the right to health should be a universal guarantee.

No one should be forced to watch their loved one suffer, feeling helpless, I’m grateful for every healthcare provider, every volunteer, and all people who risked their lives to save a man, who their courage shines through even in the darkest moments, who sleep today and wake up to a worse nightmare, while dreaming of a time when no one has to face this kind of fear

In reflecting on these tragic events, let us remember that our fight is not only against war, but rather for the fundamental rights and dignity of every human being, so next time when you mention health, don’t forget Sudan in your prayers and your advocacy effort.

About the author

Manal Ahmedain Morwih is a third-year medical student at Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan. She has a strong passion for public health and human rights, with a particular focus on emergencies, disasters, and human rights in healthcare. Through her experience in advocacy and medical ethics, she has contributed to various initiatives addressing healthcare challenges and social injustice. Manal is dedicated to promote equitable healthcare access and empower communities through education and engagement