Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders, a charity organisation that provides humanitarian medical care in conflict zones, is evacuating its staff from Zamfara State because of growing security risks.
The MSF said armed gangs have been attacking Zurmi town in Zamfara State since 10 December, with some occurring dangerously close to a hospital supported by the humanitarian organisation.
Adjide Hermann, MSF deputy field coordinator in Zurmi, said the organization can no longer guarantee the safety of patients or staff.
“Faced with important security risks, MSF medical teams on the ground had to evacuate part of its staff and are unable to function optimally, having to suspend the provision of healthcare to communities outside of the town,” Hermann said in a statement by the MSF’s Field Communication Officer, Adulkareem Yakubu.
“Some of the patients refuse to leave the hospital out of fear, we had no choice but to reduce part of our team, and the staff who are still working at the hospital are afraid of what is going to happen next.”
MSF’s country representative, Simba Tirima, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate turnout of events.
“This situation is untenable; we urgently appeal to the parties involved in the conflict to cease their hostilities to protect the population. This is also crucial to safeguard the medical mission and to maintain the safety of patients and medical staff,” Tirima said.
“While the hostilities continue, sick and wounded patients are the those facing greatest humanitarian and health needs as they struggle to access healthcare.”
MSF said it has also suspended the provision of healthcare services to communities outside Zurmi until security improves in the State.
“We will do our best to maintain operations however we urge other humanitarian actors to increase their support to displaced populations affected by conflict in Zamfara,” it said.
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