Helicopter gunships bombed a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Fangak, South Sudan, on Saturday. The attack destroyed the pharmacy and medical supplies. People died, and others suffered injuries. This hospital served as the only health facility for more than 110,000 locals. Mamman Mustapha, who leads MSF operations in South Sudan, said attacks on medical buildings break international humanitarian law.
The South Sudan Defense Forces control all helicopter gunships in the area with their allies. Mustapha asked everyone to fight to protect civilians and respect medical services. Armed groups previously targeted another MSF hospital last month. On April 14, MSF closed its Ulang hospital after armed men threatened staff and stole supplies. That facility had over 100 patients receiving important care when the attack happened.
The problems started earlier this year for MSF teams. Armed men attacked two marked MSF boats carrying six workers in January. The boats were returning to Ulang after delivering medical items to Nasir County Hospital. This forced MSF to stop all community health activities across the region. These attacks show a growing pattern of danger for healthcare workers in the country.
The South Sudan Defense Forces control all helicopter gunships in the area with their allies. Mustapha asked everyone to fight to protect civilians and respect medical services. Armed groups previously targeted another MSF hospital last month. On April 14, MSF closed its Ulang hospital after armed men threatened staff and stole supplies. That facility had over 100 patients receiving important care when the attack happened.
The problems started earlier this year for MSF teams. Armed men attacked two marked MSF boats carrying six workers in January. The boats were returning to Ulang after delivering medical items to Nasir County Hospital. This forced MSF to stop all community health activities across the region. These attacks show a growing pattern of danger for healthcare workers in the country.
