JUBA, South Sudan – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has resumed emergency healthcare services in Pieri, Jonglei State, after suspending operations on October 20 because of clashes and insecurity.
The organization restarted services on Tuesday, October 27, citing urgent medical needs among tens of thousands of people who rely on its facility, which it described as the only functioning healthcare centre in the area.
“MSF Pieri facility is the only functioning healthcare center for tens of thousands of people living in the area,” the organisation said in a statement.
MSF said it had evacuated staff who could be relocated when it suspended services following the clashes.
Although operations have resumed, the security situation in Pieri remains volatile, according to the organisation. It warned that any attack on its facility or medical staff, or any looting or damage to its property, would force it to suspend all healthcare services in the area again.
“This would further result in suffering of the population that depends on MSF healthcare services, including the most vulnerable ones – pregnant women, children, and the elderly,” MSF said.
The resumption in Pieri comes as the organisation continues to suspend services indefinitely at its hospital in Lankien, Jonglei State, following a bombardment and the looting and damage of the facility on February 3.
MSF said attacks on medical personnel and facilities, as well as civilians and civilian infrastructure, were unacceptable.
“Medical staff and infrastructure, civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be a target, with no excuses or exceptions against this rule,” the organisation said.
MSF said it currently provides healthcare services in six states and two administrative areas in South Sudan, guided by the principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality.
