Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, on Tuesday said that due to increased insecurity, they have made the difficult decision to reduce outreach medical activities around Yei in Central Equatoria State until further notice.
According to a press statement from the medical charity, the outreach activities are a critical lifeline for people in remote areas with little or no access to healthcare.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact this reduction will have on vulnerable communities,” the brief statement read in part. “MSF urges all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and guarantee unhindered access to medical and humanitarian assistance for all people.”
MSF did not specify the nature of the escalating insecurity nor indicate if their staff have been victims.
There have recently been reports of clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Morobo and Yei counties, leading to civilian displacement and casualties.