Attacks on Healthcare in South Sudan: Consequences and Human Stories
Recent attacks on healthcare in South Sudan have severely impacted access to medical services. In January, MSF boats were fired upon, followed by a violent attack on their hospital in Ulang, which has led to a complete suspension of services. Rising conflict has further exacerbated the healthcare crisis, leaving communities without essential care and resulting in tragic outcomes for patients.
The ongoing attacks on healthcare facilities in South Sudan have reached alarming levels, jeopardizing the wellbeing of vulnerable communities. Earlier this year, specifically in January, two boats from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) were shot at while navigating the Sobat River. This dangerous incident resulted in the suspension of outreach activities due to heightened safety concerns. The situation deteriorated further when, just a few months later, MSF’s hospital in Ulang was attacked and looted, making it impossible to continue any medical services.
On January 15, at around 2 p.m., fear took hold of MSF’s outreach team as their boats were fired upon. The team had just completed a delivery of medical supplies to Nasir County Hospital. In a panic, Chuol, who leads the team, jumped into the river to escape the gunfire. Riek, who serves as a liaison between MSF and the local population, was nearby when he heard the shots. He rushed to the river, only to find an empty boat drifting. “I was shocked, I thought my colleagues were dead,” Riek shared.
Fortunately, Chuol swam to safety and managed to find five team members, although one was still missing. Hearing a call, Riek discovered the missing member, who had jumped into the water and sustained an injury. Acting quickly, Riek used a canoe to rescue him, and, fortunately, the injury was minor. The team member received treatment at MSF’s Ulang hospital, which has been providing critical healthcare since 2018.
The healthcare landscape in Ulang has become increasingly precarious, especially following the January incident. As security concerns mounted, MSF made the tough choice to suspend outreach activities, critical given the region’s volatility due to ongoing violence and displacement. Both Chuol and Riek reported experiencing lingering effects from the attack, with Chuol stating, “I had trouble sleeping the first few nights after the attack,” and Riek reflecting on his nervousness.
Currently, Ulang’s remaining hospital is suffering from decreased patient numbers. Dr. Philip explained, “Since we had to suspend our outreach activities, we have had fewer patients than usual in the hospital.” Due to the halted boat transport between communities, patients must now wait prolonged periods, often up to weeks, to reach care. With only foot access available, the situation is dire.
In one distressing case, a woman reached the Ulang hospital too late to save her stillborn twins. A midwife, Veronica, described her anger and sorrow after losing her twins because she had to wait two days for the boat transport that MSF’s services usually provided. Now, after the destruction of MSF’s facilities, communities are cut off from much-needed care.
In April, the situation worsened with armed groups attacking the MSF hospital in Ulang, looting supplies. All medical services have been suspended, leaving the area without a single functioning health facility. Additionally, on May 3, a bombing at the MSF hospital in Old Fangak caused immense damage, destroying the pharmacy that stocked medications essential for care and compounding the crisis in that region.
David Charo Kahindi, MSF’s medical coordinator, described the chaos during the bombing in Old Fangak, recounting moments of terror. He witnessed the devastation and immediate need for care among the injured. “There is nothing left,” Kahindi expressed, highlighting the dire situation.
The vulnerability of these communities in South Sudan continues to deepen as violence breeds insecurity, hindering healthcare access for thousands. The recent waves of conflict have turned hospitals into targets, severing the vital lifelines that medical facilities have provided for years. The implications are not just tragic, but catastrophic, as communities are left to bear the consequences of violence meant to undermine the right to health.
It is essential that the international community acknowledges these attacks as grave violations of humanitarian principles. Emergency responses and the restoration of healthcare services are urgently needed to prevent further loss of life and suffering in South Sudan’s most affected regions.
The series of attacks on healthcare facilities in South Sudan paints a grim picture of the escalating violence in the region. Medical teams face constant threats, resulting in the suspension of crucial services that communities rely on. The testimonies from individuals involved highlight the immediate and devastating impact these attacks have had on access to care, leading to unnecessary suffering and loss of life. It is imperative for the international community to respond effectively to these crises and protect healthcare professionals and facilities from violence, thus safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org
