Sudan's healthcare crisis: The struggle of kidney patients amidst conflict

Abstract

AbstractBackground and AimConflicts, akin to other crises, disrupt lives and healthcare infrastructure, disproportionately affecting vulnerable individuals. The ongoing Sudanese conflict, initiated on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Force (RSF), triggers significant population displacement, healthcare facility closures, and a scarcity of medical resources. Amid the intense conflict in Khartoum, reports of deceased individuals in the streets heighten concerns about public health, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. This crisis compounds the challenges faced by Sudan's already fragile healthcare system, impacting over 5 million displaced individuals, including those reliant on life‐saving hemodialysis sessions. This commentary aims to illuminate the challenges confronting kidney dialysis patients in war‐torn Sudan, emphasizing the impact on the Al‐Goled hemodialysis center.MethodologyThis commentary relies on reports from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), European Renal Association (ERA), and The International Society of Nephrology (ISN), along with recent journal articles discussing the consequences of ongoing conflicts. Personal observations in Al‐Goled contribute to the insights, and data from the Al‐Goled hemodialysis center in Sudan illuminate the struggles faced by kidney dialysis patients during the conflict, presented as a case study.ResultsKidney dialysis patients, crucial for regular hemodialysis sessions, confront severe challenges due to the overwhelming conflict. With an estimated 8000 kidney failure patients in Sudan, disruptions in healthcare services, targeted attacks on medical staff, and a shortage of resources exacerbate their plight. The Al‐Goled hemodialysis center, initially designed for 30 daily sessions, experiences a surge in demand, accommodating 85 patients daily—an alarming 183% increase. Limited resources, machine malfunctions, and a shortage of medications contribute to the loss of 13 patients' lives.ConclusionsThe conflict in Sudan disproportionately impacts kidney dialysis patients, causing disruptions in essential healthcare services. The surge in demand at the Al‐Goled center underscores the broader impact on healthcare institutions nationwide. Local efforts to source medical supplies face bureaucratic hurdles and complex exportation procedures, impeding support for kidney patients. Patients, once receiving 3 weekly sessions, now struggle to secure even one, jeopardizing their well‐being. Urgent international intervention is needed to cease the conflict and ensure the safety of healthcare facilities, especially for vulnerable populations like kidney dialysis patients.