JUBA — Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on Friday called on all parties to the conflict in South Sudan to respect and protect civilians, aid workers, and health facilities in restive Upper Nile State.
The calls came amid recent military confrontation between the SSPDF and the White Army, a Nuer militia group in Nasir, Ulang counties, and other parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, Zakaria Mwatia, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, said despite the ongoing violence and displacement, many people, including women, children, and the elderly, have remained in their villages and towns in Ulang and Malakal counties.
“In a context where functioning health facilities are already limited, the few remaining hospitals are a lifeline for people in the area. It is vital that medical facilities, patients, and healthcare workers are protected and that access to medical care is not obstructed,” Mwatia said.
Mwatia stated that MSF teams continue to provide lifesaving medical services in some of the few remaining functional health facilities in Upper Nile amid tension.
“As an independent organization, we provide medical care to everyone in need—regardless of their affiliation—in a neutral and impartial manner,” Mwatia added.
He said they are supporting hospitals in Ulang and Malakal, treating a growing number of patients with violence-related injuries, as well as cases of cholera.
In addition, MSF teams are supporting several primary healthcare centers, including Doma, Mandeng, Kuich, Galachel, Baliet, and Khorfulus, with cholera-related medical supplies and staff training to strengthen the response and improve access to care in affected areas, he said.
The cholera outbreak, combined with insecurity and limited access to water and sanitation, is placing communities at even greater risk.
Since February, more than 430 cholera patients have been treated at Ulang Hospital alone, which remains the only functioning health facility in the area.
Furthermore, in recent weeks, MSF teams in Ulang and Malakal have provided care to over 230 patients, including women and children, for violence-related injuries.
He said MSF remains deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in Upper Nile state, which has displaced thousands and made access to healthcare increasingly difficult.
He stated that the cholera outbreak is spreading rapidly, putting even more lives at risk and deepening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
“With cholera spreading and violence continuing, the need for medical care in Upper Nile state has become more critical than before,” Mwatia emphasized.
“Beyond Ulang and Malakal, MSF teams are also delivering medical services in Renk County in Upper Nile. Additionally,” he said.
“MSF is working in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and across several locations in Jonglei State, including Akobo, continuing to support communities affected by cholera.”
