Medicine San Frontiers suspended its only functional hospital in Ulang after dozens of armed individuals raided hospital, plundering crucial medical supplies and threatening workers.
The incident forced over 100 patients who were having treatment to evacuate, including women receiving maternity care and children undergoing treatment.
MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan Zakariya Mwatia, said they’re outraged by the attack on the hospital and the threats against medical staff in Ulang.
“This facility has been a lifeline for the community at a time of escalating violence and an active cholera outbreak. Such attacks on hospitals and healthcare workers are completely unacceptable,” he added.
“We are gravely concerned about the devastating impact the closure of medical services will have on already vulnerable communities, who now face even greater barriers to accessing lifesaving care,” added Mwatia
The attack comes amid rising violence and a cholera outbreak, leaving thousands without access to urgent medical care.
The Doctor without Border criticized the armed men’s actions, noting a significant violation of humanitarian norms and urging all parties to safeguard people, health professionals, and medical institutions.
“The safety of patients and health workers must be guaranteed,” stated a press release by the agency.
The disruption also causes MSF to suspend important support to multiple primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) across the region, preventing vital efforts to treat cholera patients and control the ongoing outbreak.
Moreover, over 800 individuals with HIV, tuberculosis, and other chronic diseases have lost access to therapy, putting their lives at risk.
The agency stated that the attacks on Ulang Hospital are part of a larger pattern of insecurity affecting healthcare in the area, with multiple counts throughout the years.
Medicine San Frontiers reported that two plainly identified MSF boats carrying six staff were ambushed by armed persons while returning to Ulang after delivering medical supplies to Nasir County Hospital in January 2025, forcing the organization to halt all outreach activities in the area.
