Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says it has lost contact with 26 of its staff members in Jonglei state, South Sudan. This follows a recent and serious escalation of violence in the towns of Lankien and Pieri.
MSF staff flee with families as violence engulfs South Sudan
The international medical humanitarian organisation, in a press release, stated that it is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of the missing personnel. It noted that they were part of a 291-strong team operating in the area.
It added that communications networks remain severely limited, particularly for those who have fled into the bush to seek safety. However, MSF fears their colleagues may be facing dire conditions.
The staff had already evacuated the MSF compound at Lankien hospital and the Pieri healthcare centre prior to the fighting. This is in response to rising tensions and specific information about a possible attack on the town.
Meanwhile, many of the health workers were forced to flee alongside their families and are now displaced. Some are sheltering in remote locations with little access to food, water, or basic services.
“This violence has taken an unbearable toll not only on healthcare services but on the people who kept them running. Medical workers must never be targets. We are deeply concerned about what has happened to our colleagues and the communities we serve,” said Yashovardhan, MSF’s head of mission in South Sudan.
Healthcare suspension leaves 250,000 without access to medical care
The ongoing insecurity has forced MSF to suspend all medical activities in Lankien and Pieri. This has effectively cut off access to healthcare for approximately 250,000 people.
MSF has initiated all possible efforts to re-establish contact with the missing staff members. They initiated an effort to support affected employees and their families.
“Where security conditions allow, we have initiated emergency support in areas where people have sought refuge. We are also taking steps to support our staff during this period.” Yashovardhan added.
The organisation also reiterated that medical facilities, patients, and healthcare workers must be protected at all times. It warns that attacks on healthcare are unacceptable and deprive entire communities of essential medical care.
In a recent development, South Sudanese fighters lured civilians with aid promise, killing over a dozen at a village in Jonglei State.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government has banned MSF from operating in the Gaza Strip. This decision follows a dispute over the medical charity’s refusal to provide a list of its Palestinian and international staff to Israeli authorities.