By Lodu William Odiya
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has resumed lifesaving and emergency healthcare services at its facility in Pieri, Jonglei State, following an assessment of the urgent medical needs of the local population.
According to a statement from MSF’s press department, the organisation decided to resume its activities because thousands of people in the area depend on the facility for essential healthcare services.
The organisation said the Pieri facility is the only functioning healthcare centre serving tens of thousands of people in the area, making its services critical to vulnerable communities.
“While the situation in Pieri remains volatile, MSF reminds us that any potential attack against our facility and medical staff, looting or damaging the MSF property would result in the immediate suspension of all healthcare services in the area,” the statement partly read.
MSF said the decision to resume operations was made despite continuing security concerns, as suspending services would further expose residents to serious health risks.
Earlier this year, the organisation suspended services in the area from October 20 following instability and clashes in Pieri, forcing it to evacuate staff who could be relocated.
The suspension threatened access to essential medical care for people who rely on the facility, particularly pregnant women, children and elderly people.