Sudan: MSF Closes Hospital As Fighting Displaces 400 Families On Sudan-Chad Border
Médecins Sans Frontières has shut its hospital in El Tina, near the Sudan-Chad border, due to escalating fighting in the region.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has recently shut down its hospital in the Chadian border town of El Tina, following a surge in violence associated with renewed fighting across the border in Sudan's North Darfur. The fighting, primarily between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and joint forces allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces, has resulted in significant instability, prompting MSF to prioritize the safety of its staff and patients. The closure of this facility impacts healthcare access for the local population, especially as reports indicate that approximately 400 families have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
On the day of the closure, MSF reported that it had moved its operations to a previously unused facility and managed to provide care to around 40 patients despite the challenging circumstances. As the situation remains tense, MSF is taking precautions by reducing staffing levels to ensure the safety of their workers amid deteriorating security conditions. The organization's commitment to providing medical assistance continues, though the constraints imposed by the violence complicate their operations.
This incident underscores the broader humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict in Sudan, where clashes have not only led to significant loss of life but have also created a ripple effect in neighboring countries, such as Chad. The displacement of families and mounting casualties highlight the urgent need for intervention and support in the region, as healthcare availability becomes increasingly limited amidst prolonged violence.