ST John of God Midland Private and Public Hospitals (SJGMPPH), security team leader and Sudanese community member Saeed Saeed has been integral in harnessing the collective generosity of hospital caregivers in an appeal to secure essential supplies to support the people of Sudan.

In the last 15 months, Sudan has been engulfed by a devastating war compounding the country’s already precarious humanitarian situation, with the health infrastructure now struggling to cope with both existing and emerging medical needs.

The Australian Sudanese Community and, locally, the Labayka Ya Watani humanitarian group are engaged in providing humanitarian aid to those affected by conflict; their focus is on delivering crucial support to address the urgent health needs of the population, to bolster the strained healthcare system and working tirelessly to improve food security.

In October 2024, a call-out was made to all hospital caregivers and the challenge to fill a sea-container with supplies commenced: the response was overwhelming.

Donations included medical equipment/consumables, food, clothing, educational supplies, toys, sanitary/hygiene products, baby wipes, nappies, bottles and formula.

At the beginning of February, the filled to the brim container began its 54 day journey to Sudan, where it will arrive in Port Sudan for distribution of the donated goods to a local hospital, medical clinics, displacement camps and schools.

SJGMPPH acting chief executive officer, Royce Vermeulen said the spirit of generosity amongst caregivers and stakeholders in supporting the Eye on Sudan Appeal had been a wonderful thing to witness.

“Saeed’s initiative in making us aware of this human rights catastrophe and outlining a way that we could tangibly provide assistance, was something we knew we needed to support,” Mr Vermeulen said.

“It was a process that unified caregivers and stakeholders alike. We wish the shipping container a safe journey and look forward to hearing the news of it arriving at its destination.”

In addition to generous donations from hospital caregivers and the hospital itself, this initiative was proudly supported by BAAZ Security and a discounted sea container was generously provided by Total/WA Sea Containers.

Sudan’s situation has been exacerbated by the deliberate destruction of health facilities, leaving millions without access to essential healthcare.

Food insecurity in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels due to the war, and more than 25 million people are now facing crisis levels of hunger, marking the worst food insecurity ever recorded in the country.