Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reports a surge in attacks on medical facilities in South Sudan.
“Major conflict” is causing mass displacement across the country.
Under-resourced health centers are struggling to cope with the influx of people.
Long-standing insecurity and political instability plague South Sudan.
Recent months have seen clashes between forces loyal to President Kiir and Vice-President Machar spread.
International focus has been on Upper Nile State, but MSF highlights fighting in Jonglei, Unity, and Western Central Equatorial states as well.
MSF’s operations manager Bakri Abubakr describes it as a “major conflict” on multiple fronts.
He calls the resulting displacement a “major crisis,” with significant numbers displaced in Upper Nile and Jonglei.
MSF teams have witnessed entire villages abandoned. Hospitals, health facilities, and community centers have also been deserted by staff.
Abubakr warns of a “collapsing health system” in South Sudan.
He notes that only half of the country’s medical facilities were operational before the latest fighting.
MSF states that roughly 80 percent of South Sudan’s healthcare is funded internationally.
Juba contributes a mere 1.3 percent from its budget. MSF’s Abdalla Hussein reports a rise in attacks on healthcare, personnel, and civilians.
