Dr. Gabra’s Story: Saving Newborns in the Heart of Sudan’s Crisis

We are pleased to introduce you to one of our most inspiring partners, Dr. Yasir Gabra. As Sudan’s only trained pediatric ICU specialist, Dr. Gabra is working on the frontlines of a health system devastated by conflict. His story is one of extraordinary resilience and relentless commitment to saving newborn lives, even in the most difficult circumstances. 

After completing pediatric training in Ireland, the UK, and the U.S., Dr. Gabra returned to Sudan in 2022 with a vision to build up the country’s critical care capacity. But just months later, war erupted. Forced to flee Khartoum, and then again from Wad Madani, he ultimately made his way to Port Sudan where he has now built the country’s largest pediatric ICU. It holds just six beds. 

“There are virtually no functioning incubators in Sudan,” he explained. “Even in the bigger cities, most hospitals have only a few, and many don’t work at all. Some hospitals where babies are born don’t have any.” 

That’s where Embrace comes in. In partnership with the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA), Embrace incubators will soon be deployed across Sudan. They will start in stable regions and expand deployments with the shifting needs of the conflict. 

“They’re simple to use, reliable even when power is unstable, and people are waiting for them,” Dr. Gabra said. “The Neonatology Society is excited. They’ve been asking for help.” 

Together with SAPA, which is already delivering medicine, food, and hospital support throughout the country, Dr. Gabra is preparing for what’s next: expanding access to life-saving thermal care for Sudan’s smallest and most vulnerable patients.