South Sudan – Alarming Surge in Violence and Barriers to Health Care
WHEN: Thursday 15 May 2025, 9:00 am Eastern Africa Time for a 09h30 start
WHY: Since February 2025, South Sudan has seen its worst surge in violence since the 2018 peace agreement that ended the civil war. MSF teams on the ground are witnessing mass displacement, and attacks on health care have become a grim reality. Entire towns and villages have emptied as civilians flee in search of safety – the pharmacy of an MSF-supported hospital has been destroyed. We are treating an increasing number of war-wounded, including women and children, while outbreaks of infectious diseases such as cholera continue to rise. At the same time, drastic cuts to humanitarian aid and the arrival of over one million people fleeing conflict in Sudan are placing additional pressure on basic services. With the country on the brink of full-fledged civil war, the consequences for the people of South Sudan —and regional stability—could be catastrophic.
WHERE: Pitman House, 3rd Floor, Conference Room Kenya 1
WHO: MSF is one of the few major medical humanitarian organisations still operating in South Sudan, working in some areas worst affected by the conflict. We would like to invite you to hear from our panelists as they give an overview of the situation in the areas we work, and on the increase of attacks against civilians, healthcare workers, and medical facilities.
- Dr. Bakri Abubakr, Operations Manager, MSF
- Abdalla Hussein, Head of Operations, MSF
- Helen Richard, Humanitarian Affairs Advisor, MSF
Key Points:
- Since February 2025, South Sudan has seen a surge in violence since the 2018 peace deal.
- There has been a deeply concerning rise in attacks on healthcare in South Sudan.
- Attacks on healthcare are both unacceptable and a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
- The conflict in South Sudan unfolds at a time when already limited humanitarian funding is facing additional severe cuts
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been providing neutral and impartial medical care in the region now known as South Sudan for over 40 years.
RSVP: To confirm your interest or schedule an interview, please contact:
Mildred Wanyonyi – MSF Eastern Africa Press Officer
mildred.wanyonyi@nairobi.msf.org, +254720260618
ABOUT MSF IN SOUTH SUDAN
MSF first started working in the territory that today stands as South Sudan in 1983. Today, we provide health care in 15 projects across six states and two administrative areas. MSF is currently providing medical care to war-wounded patients, responding to ongoing disease outbreaks including cholera, and strengthening our capacity to manage emergencies. Meanwhile, we are assessing the growing humanitarian needs to determine where additional activities may be required.
Mildred Chebet Wanyonyi
Eastern Africa Press Officer
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Eastern Africa
Ground floor, Pitman House, Jakaya Kikwete Road, Nairobi
Phone: +254 720260618 | +254 717873895
E: mildred.wanyonyi@nairobi.msf.org
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