MSF warns of rising insecurity after health worker abducted in South Sudan
With over 40 years of presence in South Sudan, MSF is now calling on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and protect healthcare workers, patients, and medical facilities.
Humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has sounded the alarm over increasing violence against healthcare workers in South Sudan, following the recent abduction of a Ministry of Health (MoH) staff member from one of its ambulances in Central Equatoria State.
The female MoH worker was kidnapped on the morning of July 25 while accompanying patients referred to Yei for advanced treatment and returning to Morobo County after discharge.
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Armed individuals intercepted the ambulance, abducted the staffer, but allowed the MSF driver, other staff, and patients to continue their journey.
Although the abducted worker was released unharmed the following day, MSF says the incident marks a troubling rise in threats targeting health personnel.
"What we are witnessing is a disturbing and unacceptable trend, where the impartial provision of healthcare services faces indiscriminate attacks," said Dr Ferdinand Atte, MSF's Head of Mission in South Sudan.
Assault on healthcare system
"This incident is not just an attack on one individual; it is a direct assault on the healthcare system meant to serve the most vulnerable in our communities."
This latest incident is the fourth major security breach affecting MSF operations in the country in just seven months, reflecting worsening insecurity that is disrupting access to healthcare.
Due to ongoing violence, MSF has had to shut down two hospitals and reduce outreach services in both Yei and Morobo counties. As a result, only 3,427 consultations were carried out in May and June this year—half the number recorded during the same period in 2024, leaving already-vulnerable communities with fewer health services.
"These attacks not only endanger the lives of healthcare workers but also deny essential medical services to those who need them most," said Dr Atte.
With over 40 years of presence in South Sudan, MSF is now calling on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and protect healthcare workers, patients, and medical facilities.
"Healthcare workers must never be targeted. No medical worker should have to risk their life to save others," Dr Atte added.
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