At least 69 people, including five children, have been treated at Bay Regional Hospital in Baidoa after renewed fighting erupted in the city. Three deaths have been recorded, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said on Monday. The organization warned that many more wounded people may still be unable to reach medical care because roads leading to hospitals have been blocked since fighting began early on Monday.
This is the third time in six weeks that fighting has broken out in Baidoa, with devastating consequences for civilians, according to Dr Elshafie Mohammed, MSF country representative in Somalia. He emphasized that it is unacceptable for civilians and healthcare to be caught up in violence. Injured people need immediate medical attention, but many are unable to reach hospital, risking severe injury or death.
The clashes in and around Baidoa, the capital of Somalia's South West State, marked the third major outbreak of fighting since August 17. MSF reported that a health facility was severely damaged during Monday's violence, and a healthcare worker was killed. An ambulance was looted, and civilian homes were also attacked.
Two medical workers who work alongside MSF teams were robbed, and one of them was injured, the organization said. Dr Mohammed stressed that health facilities, healthcare workers, and patients must never be targeted. He called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and ensure patients can reach healthcare facilities safely.
Only a limited number of wounded people had managed to reach the hospital because roads remained blocked, raising concerns that the number of casualties requiring treatment could increase once access routes reopen. MSF said the disruption was also affecting patients seeking maternity care, pediatric treatment, nutrition services, and other urgent medical assistance.
Previous fighting in Baidoa had resulted in significant casualties. On August 17, Bay Regional Hospital received 94 wounded people, including 29 women and 20 children, according to MSF. Four deaths were recorded, including that of a young woman. Another wave of fighting began on September 3, when the hospital received 71 wounded people, including 15 women and 12 children, and one death was recorded.
MSF works with the Ministry of Health at Bay Regional Hospital, supporting emergency, maternity, pediatric, nutrition, and outpatient services. The organization called on all parties involved in the fighting to protect civilians, medical personnel, and healthcare facilities and to allow patients safe and unhindered access to treatment.
Key points
- At least 69 people wounded and three killed in renewed fighting in Baidoa.
- MSF warns of potential for increased casualties due to blocked roads.
- Fighting in Baidoa is the third major outbreak in six weeks, with devastating consequences for civilians.
