JUBA — Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in South Sudan on Tuesday permanently closed down its hospital in Ulang County of Upper Nile after dozens of armed youths stormed the facility and looted vital medical supplies.
The move follows a series of violent attacks, including the looting and destruction of medical infrastructure and supplies.
Zakaria Mwatia, MSF Head of Mission for South Sudan, said they withdrew their support to 13 primary healthcare facilities in the area after the attack and looting of their facility in Ulang County.
“We have no other option but to close the hospital and withdraw our support from 13 healthcare facilities in the area. These centers relied entirely on the hospital for medical supplies, patient referrals, and technical support,” Mwatia said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Mwatia said the attackers raided vital medical equipment, laptops, hospital beds, and mattresses from the wards.
“Critically, they also stole approximately nine months’ worth of medical supplies, including two plane loads of surgical kits and essential medicines delivered just one week prior to the attack.”
He disclosed that armed individuals stormed the hospital on April 14, threatening staff and patients and destroying much of the facility.
“The hospital infrastructure, in which MSF had invested millions of euros, was completely destroyed. Intruders looted medicines worth €135,000—enough to run the hospital for several months and provide care for thousands. The facility has been left in ruins, making it impossible to continue operations,” Mwatia added.
Medical charity has reported over two major attacks on its facilities in the region in less than three months, severely hindering its ability to respond to humanitarian needs.
The organization expressed deep concern over the growing trend of violence against healthcare workers and institutions.
“The security situation remains volatile, with continued clashes in neighboring regions. MSF’s priority is the safety of our staff and patients and maintaining the integrity of our services. Unfortunately, the current environment makes such an endeavor impossible,” Mwatia said.
He called for the protection of patients, healthcare workers, and medical facilities at all times.
The humanitarian agency reiterated its commitment to supporting the people of South Sudan, stressing that humanitarian work cannot continue without the assurance of safety and respect for medical neutrality.
Since its opening in 2018, the MSF hospital in Ulang has provided vital healthcare services to more than 150,000 people in the region.
Its closure leaves a significant gap in medical care for vulnerable communities already suffering from years of conflict and displacement.
