Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on Wednesday celebrated 40 years of providing services to the people of South Sudan.

The celebration was marked by a photo exhibition of medical services, a presentation of MSF activities, and a panel discussion that brought together MSF staff, government ministers, other humanitarian agencies operating in the country, and foreign missions among others.

Mamman Mustapha, the Country Representative of MSF in South Sudan, said the day highlights MSF’s commitment to humanitarian support to South Sudanese.

“Today we are here acknowledging 40 years, we are here to highlight and demonstrate the humanitarian assistance, and the humanitarian support we are offering to the population of South Sudan in collaboration with our partners, donors, and stakeholders,” he said.

Mustapha said MSF has been working in South Sudan since 1983, operating 13 to 14 regular projects in 8 states and two administrative areas of South Sudan, running primary healthcare services, and secondary healthcare services, and responding to various emergencies, disease outbreaks, and epidemics, natural and manmade disasters.

He added that MSF can respond with any preventive medicines such as vaccinations, tackle seasonal malaria, and respond to any unusual and unforeseen emergencies that may arise in the country.

Mustapha however noted that their main challenge in providing services to the people of South Sudan is the shortfall in funding.

“One of the main challenges is the reduction in funding due to the influx of returnees and refugees and at the same time the global humanitarian situation,” he stated. “So, our main challenge currently in delivering our services is reduced humanitarian funding amid needs.”

For her part, National Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng lauded MSF for sticking to the humanitarian principles of maintaining neutrality.

“MSF has distinguished itself through neutrality and has also been super independent in what you do. We applaud you… this has helped us to operate in some of the most volatile regions together as health partners because you come in to save lives,” she asserted. “MSF’s commitment to this principle has earned the respect and trust of all parties to the conflicts in South Sudan and around the world because you respond purely when you are needed and that is highly commendable.”

The health minister noted that MSF has provided medical services to millions of people in South Sudan and addressed not only emergencies and treatment of diseases but also malnutrition and other humanitarian needs.

Meanwhile, Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said 40 years of operation is not an easy feat and commended MSF.

“For 40 years MSF has been rendering services to our people, and not only health services but also giving more than that during the time of need. Some of your staff lost their lives in South Sudan,” he said. “We are sorry for the lost lives because we have so many armed groups and outlaws in the country. Some of them do not have a vision and goals, some of them want to loot and get some food items but they do not know what they are doing is against international law.”