Escalating Attacks on Health Care in South Sudan Have Devastating Effects
Recent violence against health care in South Sudan has dire consequences for communities. Attacks on MSF staff and hospitals have led to service suspensions, jeopardizing access to essential health care. Survivors recount traumatic experiences, emphasizing the urgent need for safety and care.
In South Sudan, attacks on health care facilities have dire implications for the well-being of vulnerable communities. Recent incidents, including gunfire directed at Doctors Without Borders (MSF) personnel and the looting of hospitals, have forced suspensions of critical medical outreach, significantly impacting people’s access to necessary health care services.
On January 15, 2023, MSF’s outreach team faced gunfire while returning to Ulang from a supply mission. Witnesses reported that the team, clearly marked with MSF symbols, experienced panic as the situation escalated. Team lead Chuol dove into the river, desperate to escape, while his colleague Riek sprinted to the shores, fearing the worst. “I was shocked, I thought my colleagues were dead,” Riek stated, recalling the intense moment.
Five of the outreach team reached safety but one member was missing, later found seriously injured. That incident concluded MSF’s outreach activities in the area for safety reasons, forcing the organization to redirect focus back on security and support amidst rising tensions and violence.
Ulang has long been a volatile area, rife with intercommunal violence and displaced populations. The recent attack on January 15 created an atmosphere of insecurity, profoundly affecting both outreach and hospital services. “I had trouble sleeping the first few nights after the attack,” Chuol said, reflecting on the trauma experienced by staff members.
Dr. Philip from MSF explained that the situation is bleak: “Since we had to suspend our outreach activities, we have had fewer patients than usual in the hospital.” Patients now face significant delays due to the unavailability of boat transport, as many roads are impassable. This logistical barrier can mean critical delays in care, leading to unfortunate outcomes for those far from medical facilities.
A heartbreaking account emerged of a mother who lost her twins after reaching the hospital too late due to travel delays. Veronica, an MSF midwife, shared, “When complications arose during her labor, she had to get to a hospital as soon as possible,” illustrating the devastating repercussions of the attack on health care access.
In April 2023, another assault saw armed men attack an MSF facility in Ulang, further exacerbating the health crisis in the region. All medical services have since been suspended, leaving the surrounding area without a single operational health facility. This attack highlights a troubling trend where violence against health care undermines health services critical to community survival.
Additionally, on May 3, a bombing of the MSF hospital in Old Fangak resulted in damaged facilities and significant loss of medical supplies. David Charo Kahindi, an MSF medical coordinator, described witnessing the chaos and devastation during the bombing and emphasized how vital health services were eradicated overnight. “I am completely heartbroken by what has happened,” he said, lamenting the loss of a crucial health care facility.
There is an urgent need for action to protect medical staff and facilities in South Sudan. The attacks have far-reaching implications, not just for immediate health care provision, but for the overall stability of communities. The suspension of health services due to violence will impact thousands of lives, demonstrating the critical nature of safeguarding health facilities in conflict zones.
Overall, the violence against health care facilities in South Sudan is not just an act of aggression; it is a profound threat to public health. If these attacks continue, the consequences will be irreversible for many already struggling communities, underscoring the imperative for peace and security to reclaim access to essential medical care.
The ongoing violence against health care in South Sudan presents a dire picture for vulnerable communities reliant on these services. Repeated attacks have forced the suspension of outreach and hospital services, highlighting the severe implications for public health. Without urgent intervention and protection for medical personnel and facilities, the health crisis in South Sudan will intensify, exacerbating the already dire circumstances faced by many individuals seeking care.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org
