SOUTH SUDAN: MSF Condemns Violent Attack On Health Facility In Morobo County, Central Equatoria

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has issued a strong condemnation of a violent attack on its health facility in Morobo County, Central Equatoria.

On Friday night, armed individuals assaulted Morobo County Hospital, stealing medical supplies, robbing staff of their belongings, and setting two ambulances ablaze.

In a press release, MSF expressed concerns that this incident jeopardizes the delivery of vital medical and humanitarian services in Yei and Morobo counties. The organization had already faced challenges in May when it made the difficult choice to scale back outreach services in Yei County amidst escalating insecurity, adversely affecting access to healthcare for many vulnerable communities.

“While no staff or patients were physically harmed during this incident, such acts of violence critically undermine the fragile healthcare system in an area where access to essential medical care is already limited,” MSF emphasized.

Morobo County Hospital is one of several facilities supported by MSF within Yei and Morobo counties. The organization plays a crucial role in the maternity unit by supplying medical materials, providing training and bedside coaching, and contributing to staff salaries. Fortunately, there were no MSF personnel present at the facility during the attack.

Attacks on healthcare facilities represent a serious violation of international humanitarian law and are wholly unacceptable. MSF urgently appeals to all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in South Sudan to respect their duty to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including healthcare workers, patients, and medical facilities.

“Hospitals must never be targeted,” the organization reiterated.