Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has restarted emergency healthcare services in Pieri, Jonglei State, citing urgent medical needs among tens of thousands of people who rely on its facility. The organization suspended operations on October 20 due to clashes and insecurity. MSF described its Pieri facility as the only functioning healthcare centre in the area. The resumption of services aims to address the critical healthcare needs of the local population.
MSF had evacuated staff who could be relocated when it suspended services. Although operations have resumed, the security situation in Pieri remains volatile, according to the organisation. MSF warned that any attack on its facility or medical staff, or any looting or damage to its property, would force it to suspend all healthcare services in the area again. This would exacerbate the suffering of the population that depends on MSF healthcare services.
The resumption of services in Pieri comes as MSF continues to suspend services indefinitely at its hospital in Lankien, Jonglei State. The hospital was bombarded, looted, and damaged on February 3. MSF expressed concern over the impact of such attacks on medical personnel and facilities, as well as civilians and civilian infrastructure. The organisation emphasised that attacks on medical infrastructure are unacceptable.
MSF currently provides healthcare services in six states and two administrative areas in South Sudan. The organisation's operations are guided by the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. MSF's provision of healthcare services aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
The organisation's decision to resume services in Pieri highlights the critical role it plays in providing healthcare to populations in need. MSF's facility in Pieri is the only functioning healthcare centre in the area, serving tens of thousands of people. The resumption of services is expected to alleviate some of the healthcare challenges faced by the local population.
MSF's operations in South Sudan are part of a broader effort to provide humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflict and insecurity. The organisation's work is critical in addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations. MSF's commitment to providing healthcare services in South Sudan remains strong, despite the challenges posed by insecurity and attacks on medical infrastructure.
The resumption of emergency healthcare services in Pieri is a positive development for the local population. MSF's efforts to provide healthcare services in South Sudan are guided by its principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. The organisation's work in Pieri and other parts of South Sudan aims to address the critical healthcare needs of populations affected by conflict and insecurity.
Key points
- MSF resumes emergency healthcare services in Pieri, Jonglei State, citing urgent medical needs among tens of thousands of people.
