Médecins Sans Frontières resumes emergency care in Pieri
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Radio Tamazuj
Médecins Sans Frontières has resumed emergency care in Pieri, in Jonglei State, where its centre is the only functioning health facility for tens of thousands of people. The organisation has restarted its activities despite persistent insecurity and warns that another attack or looting would lead to their immediate suspension.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) resumed lifesaving care and emergency services in Pieri, in Uror County, Jonglei State, South Sudan, on Tuesday, in response to the population’s urgent medical needs, the organisation said. Its centre is the only health facility still operating in the area and serves tens of thousands of people.
MSF had suspended its activities on 20 October after unrest and clashes in Pieri, then evacuated staff who could be moved. The organisation warned that any attack on its centre or staff, as well as any looting or damage to property, would lead to an immediate suspension of care again. Pregnant women, children and older people are among those particularly dependent on these services.
MSF said it had also suspended its activities in Lankien indefinitely since its hospital was bombed and looted, and damaged and vandalised on 3 February. The organisation called on all parties to the conflict to respect health facilities, medical staff, civilians and civilian infrastructure.
