For people in East Darfur living with kidney failure, the Renal Dialysis Center at Ad Daein Teaching Hospital was their only lifeline. Twenty patients from across nine localities depended on the center for lifesaving care. But, when war broke out across the country, that lifeline was suddenly, and violently, cut off.
In August 2023, an airstrike directly hit the hospital, destroying the Renal Dialysis Center. With the building damaged, machines ruined, and essential equipment lost, the hospital and dialysis center were forced to shut their doors.
With nowhere left to turn, patients scrambled to find care, leaving the state for distant cities like Nyala, Kosti, and Al Obeid. Families sold belongings just to afford travel and lodging. Some could no longer bear the burden and returned home, unable to keep up with the mounting costs. Tragically, two patients passed away - unable to access the dialysis treatments they needed to survive.
But hope wasn’t lost.
With support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Alight and the East Darfur State Ministry of Health stepped in. Together, they launched a rapid response to assess the damage and begin the work of rebuilding. A needs assessment and technical engineering assessment identified the operational and structural needs of the site while medical staff and local leadership helped identify the necessary supplies needed for its smooth operation, including machines, water, cleaning supplies, and fuel.
