International medical charity Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has called on thieves in Pibor town to return the medical equipment they stole last month during clashes so the local population can once again receive life-saving medical care.
MSF said they have restarted some health services in Pibor town after taking refuge in a nearby UN base, but do not have the ability to operate their clinic at full capacity because their equipment was looted.
“We call on anyone in possession of looted medical equipment to return it to MSF. Some of the items that were taken from us have no use or no value outside of a medical facility. If they are returned to MSF, it will help improve the population’s access to medical care by allowing for the resumption of more life-saving medical activities,” said Corinne Benazech, MSF head of mission in South Sudan.
Radio Tamazuj earlier reported accusations that forces under Baba Medan, the appointed governor of Boma state, looted the town during clashes with Cobra Faction elements loyal to former administrator David Yau Yau.
MSF said that before the attack, their clinic in Pibor provided a “full package” of medical care to residents including laboratory services, blood transfusions, and secondary health care for up to 18 in-patients at a time.
“Now, the laboratory is looted and out of commission, MSF is unable to perform life-saving blood transfusions due to the theft of key medical equipment, and the medical team is only able to provide in-patient care to six patients at a time,” the group said.
MSF said that one woman has already died because she could not access the medical care she needed, and the area remains tense.
“Our ability to provide medical assistance has been greatly diminished by the looting of our medical facility two weeks ago,” Benazech said. “It is women and children who suffer most from reduced access to medical care, not only in Pibor but also in Lekonguole and Gumuruk. We call on all armed actors to respect the provision of medical care.”
Meanwhile, the appointed commissioner of Pibor county said the situation is normal in the area. Simon Lugutu Gayon told Radio Tamazuj that the national ministry of health will send their medical team to help patients in Pibor.
He noted that the rival armed groups have returned to their positions and that the road between Juba and Pibor is open again.