Sudan: Ahmed, victim of the war’s brutal violence

Stable and fulfilling life 

My name is Ahmed and I am 66 years old. I used to live in Khartoum and worked in construction, metalwork, and carpentry, traveling between Khartoum and Wad Madani for my work. I was leading a stable and fulfilling life, fully engaged in my work, building not only structures but also strong connections within my community. 

I took pride in supporting my family and friends, both financially and socially, playing an active and positive role in the lives of those around me - until circumstances changed and reshaped my life. 

Amputation due to lack of medical care 

When the conflict began spreading across Al Jazirah [Sudanese state south of Khartoum, with capital Wad Madani, ed.], my work came to a halt. I stayed with my mother, who refused to leave our home, and began delivering vegetables to people in my community using a metal cart that I pulled by hand. I constantly felt threatened and overwhelmed, with little control over my situation. 

Armed combatants invaded my home and threatened my entire family. I was shot and sustained gunshot wounds to my arm and both legs. Because medical care was unavailable, my wounds became infected, and the blood supply to one of my legs was lost, resulting in a below-knee amputation. 

Moving around became extremely difficult, and I spent most of my time at home. I also developed depression. 

Rebuilding trust and confidence 

Humanity & Inclusion provided me with high-quality rehabilitation sessions and new crutches, which have greatly improved my mobility. Walking is now less challenging, and I am gradually rebuilding my trust and confidence in myself. 

I have started a small home-based project to help cover my expenses, and I hope to grow it so I can afford my child’s school fees. 

In Wad Madani (Al Jazirah state), southeast of the capital Khartoum, HI provides rehabilitation care and supplies assistive devices primarily to people with disabilities. In addition, stimulation therapy is offered to malnourished children to prevent long-term disabilities. HI provides these services in four existing hospitals and rehabilitation centers. 

In the western part of the country, in Tawilah (North Darfur State), functional rehabilitation care is provided at a hospital run by HI’s partner. The services primarily assist people with war-related injuries like gunshot wounds, trauma linked to forced displacement, and injuries resulting from precarious living conditions in displacement camps through emergency rehabilitation care. In addition, support is also provided to people with disabilities. 

Since beginning its work, HI has carried out over 9,500 rehabilitation sessions and provided care for almost 2,400 individuals. More than 150 people have also received assistive devices. HI is one of the few humanitarian organizations providing rehabilitation care in the country.