This article was exclusively written for European Sting by Mr. Mubarak Adam Abaker Ahmed, a fifth medical student from Sudan. He 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.
In Sudan, the ongoing conflict has transformed healthcare from a fundamental right into a daily struggle for survival. Hospitals once full of promise now stand in ruins, and access to even the most basic primary care has become a privilege for those who can reach safety. Amid this crisis, the concept of dignity in healthcare—particularly at the end of life—has been profoundly challenged.
As a medical student and humanitarian advocate in Sudan, I have witnessed how conflict deprives communities not only of medicine and equipment but also of hope. Many displaced families find themselves far from functioning clinics, relying on exhausted volunteers who work without resources or rest. Mothers give birth in unsafe conditions, children go without vaccinations, and terminally ill patients face their final moments without comfort, pain relief, or compassion. In such conditions, the call for “dignity in end-of-life care” feels both urgent and deeply human.
Primary healthcare serves as the foundation of every strong health system, yet in times of conflict, it is often the first to collapse. Attacks on healthcare facilities, shortages of essential drugs, and the displacement of medical staff have left millions without access to even the simplest services. Beyond the physical harm, this crisis strips patients of their right to be treated with respect and empathy, especially when facing the end of life.
Despite these challenges, Sudanese youth and medical students are rising to meet the moment. Through organizations like MedSIN–Sudan, young people are engaging in community outreach, health education, and advocacy for equitable healthcare access. Their efforts may seem small in scale, but they represent a powerful commitment to humanitarian medicine—a belief that every person deserves care, dignity, and compassion, regardless of circumstance.
Palliative care in conflict zones is rarely prioritized, yet it embodies the essence of humanity in medicine. Providing pain relief, psychological support, and a sense of peace to those nearing the end of life should not be a luxury reserved for stable countries. It is a moral obligation, a test of our shared humanity.
Empowering young people with the skills and values of humanitarian medicine is essential for rebuilding a just and compassionate health system. By listening to affected communities, advocating for policy reform, and upholding dignity even in the face of devastation, we can restore not only health but hope.
The world must not look away. Access to primary healthcare—and the right to die with dignity—should not be determined by geography or war. It is time for the global community to stand with Sudan and ensure that every life, from its first breath to its last, is treated with the respect it deserves.
About the author
My name is Mubarak Adam Abaker Ahmed a fifth medical student from Sudan ,and a member of MedSIN–Sudan. Passionate about humanitarian medicine and global health equity, and advocates for access to healthcare and dignity for all, especially in conflict-affected communities. Through his work with local initiatives and international youth networks, l am seek to empower young people to take an active role in rebuilding Sudan’s health system with compassion, resilience, and respect for human rights. He believes that even in the face of conflict, empathy and dignity remain the strongest tools in medicine.
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