For millions fleeing the ongoing war in Sudan, the journey to safety is only the beginning. Behind the staggering statistics lies a quieter, invisible battle in the minds and hearts of those who have endured trauma, loss, and displacement.

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Among them is Behati, a 38-year-old mother who fled to Ethiopia seeking refuge from war and personal turmoil. Her story is not just one of survival but of profound transformation through accessible mental healthcare, made possible by a dedicated partnership and the supply of essential medicines.

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As the conflict continues, International Health Partners (IHP) is playing a vital role in addressing this growing mental health crisis, supplying frontline clinics with the medicines they need to support refugees like Behati.

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The weight of trauma falling on host countries

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Since violence erupted in April 2023, over 14 million people have been displaced, including at least 3.5 million who have sought safety in neighbouring countries. With each step away from their homes, refugees carry not only physical burdens but deep psychological wounds.

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Mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are increasingly common. In a 2024 Situation Report, the World Health Organisation estimated that more than 25,000 Sudanese refugees urgently required mental health support, yet only a fraction receive the help they need due to a lack of infrastructure, medication, and trained personnel.

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Before the war, a 2022 BMC Public Health study found PTSD rates of 12.3% among internally displaced Sudanese populations. Today, in overcrowded refugee camps with limited services, the need for care is far more urgent.

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Behati’s Story

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Behati once lived a peaceful life in southeast Sudan. That peace was shattered with the outbreak of war, and her world was further devastated by the death of her father. For years, she endured domestic abuse while supporting her five children through a small fruit-selling business. But when the war destroyed her livelihood, she made a painful decision to flee to Ethiopia.

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She found safety in a refugee camp just beyond the Sudan border—but not peace. Living under plastic sheeting with limited resources, the weight of trauma and hardship overwhelmed her. She described experiencing severe anxiety, guilt, and suicidal thoughts—a mental state that made it hard to care for her children or face daily life.

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Everything began to change when she was referred to Medical Teams International through a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) awareness campaign. Diagnosed in late 2024 with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and depressive symptoms, she was prescribed Amitriptyline—one of the essential medicines provided with the help of IHP shipments.

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“The introduction of Amitriptyline into my treatment plan has been transformative,” Behati told us. “It has enhanced my mental and physical health, strengthened my social connections, and inspired me to pursue my aspirations with renewed hope.”

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With treatment, Behati’s life began to stabilise. She regained confidence, rebuilt social ties, and even launched a small coffee business in the camp. Today, she’s not only a mother providing for her family—she’s a resilient entrepreneur with dreams of a better future.

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Host countries struggle to help

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Behati’s story is just one among thousands. Countries like Ethiopia, Chad, Libya, Uganda and South Sudan have absorbed large numbers of refugees, putting immense strain on fragile health systems.

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South Sudan alone hosts over 500,000 Sudanese refugees, yet the sub-Saharan region has only 1 psychiatrist per 1,000,000 people, making access to treatment nearly impossible for most. Clinics are overwhelmed and under-equipped, and many people suffer in silence due to stigma or lack of awareness.

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Without support, the psychological toll threatens to undermine not only individual well-being but entire communities, as untreated trauma hampers recovery and resilience.

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Delivering hope through medical shipments

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International Health Partners (IHP) works to close this gap by ensuring frontline healthcare providers have access to the medicines they need. In 2024 alone, IHP’s shipments of mental health medication reached 5,486 patients across refugee-hosting regions in Ethiopia. We work closely with trusted local partners, such as Medical Teams International, to ensure these shipments are effectively distributed and used in compliance with WHO guidelines.

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By enabling organisations on the ground to treat both physical and psychological conditions, IHP plays a vital role in restoring health and dignity to those displaced by crisis.

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Behati’s story powerfully reminds us that healing is possible, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. Her message to others is simple but profound: “Seeking professional help can change lives.”

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At IHP, we are committed to ensuring more people like Behati have access to life-changing mental health care. But we can’t do it alone. Your support helps us send vital mental health medication where it’s needed most, equipping healthcare professionals and enabling patients to get the treatment they deserve. Together, we can continue to bring health and hope to the world’s most vulnerable.

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Please consider donating today to support this essential work.‍