“We are not leaving Bentiu” – clarifies MSF after demonstrations against exit

JUBA – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holland clarified on Tuesday that it is not abandoning medical services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bentiu, South Sudan, following protests against its planned exit. Thousands demonstrated on Monday, expressing concern over the handover of Bentiu State Hospital (BSH) to the government after 11 years under the Dutch-based organization.

In a statement obtained by Sudans Post, MSF explained that it is partnering with the Ministry of Health to strengthen the local healthcare system and ensure long-term sustainability.

“In light of recent demonstrations and concerns from the community in Bentiu regarding the transition of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medical services from Bentiu camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Bentiu State Hospital (BSH), we would like to clarify that while the organisation is shifting service location, we are not leaving Bentiu, rather our aim is to strengthen the local healthcare system and ensure long-term sustainability,” the statement read.

Protesters on Monday voiced fears that government control of BSH would lead to a decline in healthcare, particularly for those with chronic conditions like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

MSF stated it will maintain support for all primary and secondary healthcare services in collaboration with the health ministry and stakeholders.

“This new collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) is part of MSF’s plan to reposition all primary and secondary healthcare services from the Bentiu IDP camp facility to BSH by the end of 2025. This repositioning of services is intended to not only maintain but also enhance delivery of healthcare services in Unity State, with MSF and the MoH collaborating to provide continued medical treatment and support to all the communities,” the statement continued.

The organization added that working with the government will provide flexibility to respond to emergencies, including floods and disease outbreaks in Unity State. It emphasized that all services will continue uninterrupted and free of charge to IDPs and residents.

“We would like to reiterate that this transition is designed to strengthen and maintain comprehensive healthcare services through a partnership with the MoH, ensuring that we continue to meet the medical needs of both IDPS and the people of Bentiu town and its surroundings, while allowing MSF to remain flexible to respond swiftly to recurring emergencies, including floods and disease outbreaks in Unity State,” the statement added.

As part of the transition, MSF rehabilitated and operationalized the pediatric unit at BSH in October 2024 under the new partnership with the health ministry. The 48-bed facility has treated 605 children so far, MSF said.