Escalating violence in Sudan shuts hospitals and puts 219,000 pregnant women at risk.

The heavy fighting which continues in Sudan's capital Khartoum and across the country is putting tens of thousands of pregnant women in danger, making it too perilous to venture outside their homes to seek urgent care in hospitals and clinics.

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, estimates there are 219,000 pregnant women in Khartoum, including 24,000 women expected to give birth in the coming weeks.

Violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have made it extremely difficult for women to seek essential antenatal care, safe delivery services, or postnatal care.

The conflict has not spared Sudan's health care system: at least 20 hospitals have been forced to shut down in Khartoum because of the violence.

'If the violence does not stop, there is a danger that the health system will collapse and pregnant women and their unborn children will die,'

A further 12 hospitals across the country are still operating but could soon close as they struggle with power and water cuts and a lack of staff.

Doctors, nurses and hospital staff are unable to travel to work and vital humanitarian aid is not getting through because of roadblocks and ongoing fighting, leaving medical facilities understaffed, overwhelmed, and running low on critical medical supplies.

If the violence does not stop, there is a danger that the health system will collapse and pregnant women and their unborn children will die.

219,000 pregnant women in Khartoum

24,000 women expected to give birth in the coming weeks

20 hospitals forced to shut down in Khartoum

12 hospitals across the country still operating but struggling with electricity and water cuts and a staff shortage

3.1 million women and girls facing increased risks of life-threatening gender-based violence

UNFPA is also concerned about the 3.1 million women and girls who are facing increased risks of life-threatening gender-based violence as protection services are interrupted by the clashes.

'We are also concerned about the 3.1 million women and girls who are facing increased risks of life-threatening gender-based violence as protection services are interrupted by the clashes,'

UNFPA reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law: to protect all civilians, including the wounded and sick, health care workers...