9th September 2026

Medical aid charity, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned that Sudan's healthcare system is on the verge of total collapse, as sweeping cuts to international aid funding force clinics and hospitals across the country to close.  Dozens of organisations have been unable to find alternative funding after the US - the largest donor to Sudan - closed USAID, its body for delivering foreign aid, last year. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), international aid fell globally by 21.3% in 2025 compared to the previous year. MSF said the closure of frontline health services is placing enormous pressure on the facilities that remain open. Patients are being forced to travel long and dangerous distances to reach care, often arriving in a far worse condition than if they had been treated locally. "War is driving Sudan's needs; funding cuts are shrinking the response," said Muhammad Ibrahim, the charity's head of operations in Sudan.  Sebastián Traficante, MSF's emergency co-ordinator in Darfur, commented that "When funding disappears from other health services, clinics close, patients have fewer places to go, and pressure shifts to the facilities that remain, including ours." Medical facilities and personnel are also a target of war. Sudan recorded 1,620 deaths in attacks on medical facilities last year.   In Gedaref state, the Tanedba camp, which shelters 18,400 displaced people, lost its maternity and surgical wards after a humanitarian organisation pulled out in June. Around 17,000 people, the majority of them women and children, currently live in Um Rakuba camp, also in Gedaref.  There the number of agencies working in the camp fell from 35 in 2021 to fewer than 10 in 2025.

Loving God, you ask us to love our neighbours and tell us that what we do for others we do for Christ himself, and that what when we fail to care for people who are ill we fail to care for Christ. So, forgive us that we have created situations that deny people medical care, and so put their lives at risk. Forgive us that we move money from caring for people who are ill to providing weapons that kill maim and destroy.  Forgive us that the welfare of those who have been displaced by war and conflict is such a low priority for us.  Thank you for organisations like MSF who do care about the welfare, health and wellbeing of others. Protect healthcare workers and medical facilitites from the ravages of war. Move among the leaders of nations so that funds that preserve life will be reinstated.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Down Syndrome Limerick is a family-led charity, based in Ireland, providing essential early intervention, speech and language therapy, education, social activities, advocacy, and adult life skills programmes across the region for people with Down Syndrome.  Marie O’Callaghan, has just published a book "Marie’s Kitchen" supporting Down Sydrome Limerick. “This cookbook is a true labour of love,” she said. “These are recipes that have been enjoyed around our family table for years, and I’m delighted that by sharing them, they can now help support the incredible work of Down Syndrome Limerick.” Michelle Coughlan, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Limerick, said, “Marie’s talent and creativity shine through in this book, not only in the recipes but in the deeply personal memories and experiences she shares so generously. What she has created is a genuine and lasting collection that will be treasured and shared for generations. We are incredibly grateful to her for including Down Syndrome Limerick in this beautiful journey. The generosity behind the book and the proceeds it raises will make a real and lasting difference to the families and individuals we support.” Every copy of the book that is sold will benefit Down Syndrome Limerick. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, a beautiful addition to your own kitchen, or simple, delicious recipes to enjoy at home, Marie’s Kitchen is the book for you. There are 101 recipes for just  €29.99.  Details and purchase here.  

Find out more about Down Syndrome Lymeric here.

Lord, I sing praises to you .

You have made me wonderfully and given me life.

Lord I sing praises to you

when all around seems dark and miserable,

when I am confused and frustrated.

I sing praises to you

in the face of anxiety, and despair.

I sing praises to you

when all around is bright and joyous.

I sing praises to you

in my successes and achievements,

in my celebrations and delights.

I sing praises to you

in my failures and disappointments.

I sing praises to you

for you are my redeemer, my tower and my strength.

You walk life's journey with me, my constant companion.

May my every breath be a breath of praise to you

wonderful, holy, glorious and enteral God.

Amen.