MSF condemns armed attack on its healthcare workers in South Sudan

The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has strongly condemned an armed attack on two of its boats in Upper Nile State of South Sudan.

The attack happened on Wednesday afternoon when its marked boats carrying six members of staff were sailing on the river back to Ulang after delivering essential medical supplies to Nasir County Hospital.

Unidentified gunmen opened fire on the boats, forcing the MSF staff to jump into the river and swim to safety in a nearby village.

One staff member sustained an injury while escaping the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment.

In a statement, the organisation noted that while all staff have safely arrived in Ulang, the attack was a serious violation of humanitarian principles and international law.

"This attack puts the safety of humanitarian workers at risk and disrupts the delivery of critical medical aid to those in need," the statement released on Thursday afternoon read in part.

Movements suspended

As a result of the attack, MSF has been forced to suspend all movements for outreach activities in Nasir and Ulang Counties.

"Such attacks on healthcare workers are unacceptable and highlight the volatile environment in which humanitarian organisations operate in South Sudan," says Zakaria Mwatia, MSF head of mission in South Sudan.

She noted that the attack now puts the health of the people living in Nasir and Ulang counties in jeopardy as they already face limited access to healthcare and the impact of such violence further jeopardises the delivery of essential medical services, placing them at increased risk.

The organisation further called for the effecting of immediate measures to ensure the safety and protection of humanitarian workers and the unimpeded delivery of essential medical care to those in need.

For a long time, MSF has been providing critical support to Nasir County Hospital including delivery of essential medical supplies and training hospital staff to offer surgical services.

Additionally, it has ensured constant provision of HIV and TB treatment and facilitates the transfer of critically ill patients to Nasir Hospital for surgical care.

Ulang County, operates a hospital together with a network of 13 outreach medical facilities, expanding access to essential healthcare for communities in remote areas.