As part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts to support the health sector in Sudan, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has begun rehabilitating the internal medicine emergency ward at Al-Naw Hospital in the Al-Thawra area in Omdurman.
The ward was inaugurated in the presence of the Governor of Khartoum State, Ahmed Othman Hamza. This project is part of the organization’s partnership with the state government to strengthen health services under the exceptional circumstances imposed by the war.
A Critical Response to Growing Needs
The opening of the new ward comes in response to the increasing demand for emergency services. Since the outbreak of the conflict, Al-Naw Hospital has played a pivotal role as one of the most prominent health facilities to remain operational. It has continued to provide care for the wounded and the sick despite immense challenges, including shortages of medicine and equipment and the closure of many other hospitals across Khartoum State.
The current situation highlights the humanity and efficiency of Al-Naw’s medical staff. They took on the responsibility of treating patients from the earliest days of the conflict when resources were extremely limited. While rumors once circulated that patients entering the hospital might only leave on a stretcher, the current leadership—headed by Director General Dr. Jamal Al-Tayeb has restored the hospital’s reputation, ensuring medical services persist despite the hardships.
Honoring Leadership and Bravery
Dr. Jamal Al-Tayeb, an orthopedic and trauma specialist, is well-known for his outstanding humanitarian and medical contributions. He was the recipient of the 2025 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a $1 million award for which he was selected from over 900 global nominees. This prestigious international honor is granted on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide in recognition of exceptional courage in saving lives.
Throughout the war, Dr. Al-Tayeb and his team have provided life-saving medical care to hundreds of patients without seeking fame or status, emphasizing that medical work is, first and foremost, a pure humanitarian service.
A Pillar of the Community
Al-Naw Teaching Hospital is one of the oldest referral centers in Omdurman, serving local residents and surrounding areas. It also plays a vital educational role in training interns and medical staff, having contributed over decades to graduating generations of doctors practicing both in Sudan and abroad.
The hospital stood as the sole medical line of defense for the three cities of the capital (Khartoum, Omdurman, and Khartoum North) during periods of intense fighting and continuous shelling.
The opening of the internal medicine emergency ward enhances the hospital’s capacity to respond to critical cases, particularly for those with chronic illnesses and acute emergencies. It also underscores the vital importance of partnerships with international humanitarian organizations in supporting national health institutions during times of crisis.
