Doctors Without Borders: Medical system in South Sudan is “breaking down”

Attacks on medical facilities in South Sudan are increasing, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which said that the “major conflict” has caused mass displacement and that under-resourced health centers are finding it difficult to cope.

Political instability and insecurity have long plagued South Sudan, but in recent months, tensions between President Salva Kiir and vice president Riek Machar have led to clashes between their Forces across the nation. While fighting in Upper Nile State has garnered international attention, MSF cautioned that fighting was also taking place in the states of Unity, Jonglei, and Western Central Equatorial.

According to MSF, foreign organizations pay for about 80% of the nation’s healthcare system, with Juba providing only 1.3% of its budget. Abdalla Hussein of MSF stated, “we see a rise of attacks on health care facilities, medical personnel, civilian population,” including looting of remote outposts and attacks on White River Nile barges carrying essential supplies.

According to the UN, eight medical facilities have been hit so far this year, but MSF thinks the number may be even higher. According to Zakariya Mwatia, head of mission for MSF, more and more injured people are coming to Malakal city after weeks of traveling through the bush and sleeping on the streets, their health in shambles, and staff members are powerless to save them.