Doctors Without Borders has halted operations at Sudan’s Zamzam camp due to heightened fighting, impacting 500,000 displaced residents. Intense conflict between Sudanese forces and RSF has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, preventing MSF from delivering essential medical aid. The challenges faced include violence, supply chain disruptions, and inadequate medical facilities, leading to tragic patient mortality.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has suspended its operations at the Zamzam camp in Sudan due to escalated fighting in the region. This camp, home to about 500,000 people displaced by conflict, has experienced increased attacks, making it impossible for MSF to deliver essential humanitarian assistance. The group’s activities, including operations at their field hospital, have come to a halt as a result of safety concerns regarding staff and supply delivery.
The intensification of hostilities between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) forced MSF to make this difficult choice. Yahya Kalilah, MSF’s mission head in Sudan, expressed regret over the situation, highlighting challenges like violence, supply issues, and unsafe evacuation routes. Since the conflict began in April 2023, over 24,000 people have died and more than 14 million have been displaced across Sudan.
Fighting in Zamzam intensified significantly around February 11-12, leading to an influx of injured patients into the MSF field hospital, which was ill-equipped for trauma surgery as its original purpose was to tackle malnutrition. Tragically, 11 patients died within the hospital due to inadequate treatment capabilities and difficulties in referring them to local medical facilities.
Access to vital supplies, including food and water, has worsened due to ongoing conflicts. Reports indicate that the central market has been looted and burned, severely impacting the availability of essential resources. New arrivals from regions such as Abu Zerega describe their traumatic experiences of killings, sexual violence, and beatings.
Kalilah noted the dangers faced by MSF vehicles as they transport patients, citing incidents of gunfire directed at ambulances in previous months. As security deteriorates, many patients requiring critical care remain trapped in Zamzam, unable to receive necessary medical interventions like trauma surgery or emergency obstetric services.
The suspension of MSF’s operations in Zamzam camp is a critical response to escalating violence, significantly affecting humanitarian aid delivery to the displaced population. This situation underscores the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where conflict has led to substantial loss of life and suffering for millions. The need for international support and intervention remains urgent as conditions continue to deteriorate in the region.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
