Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expressed grave concern for the safety of its personnel, as 26 of its 291 team members in Lankien and Pieri, Jonglei State, South Sudan, are currently unaccounted for after an airstrike on February 3, 2026. The airstrike, carried out by government forces, prompted immediate evacuation of medical staff from the MSF hospital, raising alarms over their whereabouts amidst ongoing violent clashes in the region.

The absence of 26 staff members coupled with the escalating violence has significant implications for healthcare delivery in the area. With all MSF medical activities halted in Lankien and Pieri, the situation puts approximately 250,000 residents at risk of losing access to essential healthcare services. The organization has attempted to make contact with its missing colleagues but has been unsuccessful thus far, leading to heightened fears regarding their safety.

This incident highlights the ongoing instability in South Sudan and the challenges faced by medical humanitarian missions in the country. MSF's urgent call for safe access to its staff and medical facilities underscores the desperate need for a secure environment for healthcare workers serving communities affected by conflict. The plight of the missing staff is a stark reminder of the dangers humanitarian workers face in war-torn regions, emphasizing the need for protection and support from international entities and governing bodies.