Dr Catena examines a patient's heartbeat. Many have walked for days to finally receive a diagnosis and treatment at Mother of Mercy Hospital. Photo: David Lomuria/actionmedeor/Fairpicture Info Dr Catena examines a patient's heartbeat. Many have walked for days to finally receive a diagnosis and treatment at Mother of Mercy Hospital. Photo: David Lomuria/actionmedeor/Fairpicture Sudan: "Without help, we would have to close the hospital" Close-up 18 November 2025 Hundreds of thousands have fled the civil war to the remote Nuba Mountains, many in urgent need of medical care. Dr. Catena and his team work tirelessly – but without medicines, their hands are tied. “We never turn anyone away. But there are situations where we lack what we really need for treatment. When someone dies because antibiotics or bandages are missing – that is the worst.” Dr. Tom CatenaChief Physician at the Mother of Mercy Hospital, Sudan Commitment alone is not enough Dr. Tom Catena’s workdays rarely end before nightfall. The American doctor, who has headed the Mother of Mercy Hospital in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains since 2008, is on duty around the clock. And yet he often reaches his limits because life-saving medicines are lacking. Christmas packages for Dr. Catena Every tablet, every dressing, every infusion is urgently needed: in the improvised cholera ward, in the nutrition ward for malnourished infants, and in the operating room. The cash-strapped hospital is in urgent need of supplies, but transporting aid to the remote region is difficult. action medeor is currently preparing a large shipment of medicines – and your donation can help us make it happen! In our warehouse in Tönisvorst, we are preparing several pallets with medicines for shipment to the civil-war-torn country. Photo: action medeor/Boris Breuer The Mother of Mercy Hospital: A beacon of hope in Sudan Since 2023, a fierce power struggle has been raging in Sudan, developing into the largest conflict in the already troubled history of the country. Over 14 million people have fled their homes, and an estimated 25 million people are currently suffering from acute hunger. The majority of all health facilities have been forced to close or have been destroyed. The Mother of Mercy Hospital is a rare exception. It is located in the Nuba Mountains – a poor and politically isolated region in the south of the country, which is currently not contested and has therefore become a destination for many internally displaced people. The hospital can provide inpatient care for up to 500 patients who, due to their poverty, would have no chance of treatment elsewhere. Even in the greatest hardship: Dr. Catena and his team stay “I know,” Dr. Catena writes to us, “the world is pretty much falling apart right now. Especially Sudan. If you only look at the big headlines, everything seems hopeless. But I assure you: With every donation we receive, we can do a great deal of good.” “This is a huge help for us.” “It’s about individuals, about people here on site who urgently need medical treatment. That’s why we are here. And we must stay here so we can continue to care for them. Without your help, we can’t do anything. But with your help, we can do a whole lot. I thank you for every donation!” “Every day we witness small miracles,” Dr. Catena reports to us. “And the only reason we can continue our work here is supporters like you.” Photo: David Lomuria/action medeor/Fairpicture Your donation makes the difference!