MSF evacuates staff from Lankien health facility after airstrikes

NYIROL – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has evacuated key staff from its healthcare facility in Lankien town, Nyirol County, in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, following airstrikes that hit areas near the hospital, local market, and airstrip on December 29.

MSF said the evacuation was prompted by a rapidly deteriorating security situation, but emphasised that the facility remains operational and continues to deliver life-saving medical services to the community.

The airstrip targeted in the strikes is routinely used by MSF aircraft for medical referrals and the delivery of essential supplies.

Despite the bombardment, MSF medical teams continued providing emergency care in the days that followed. According to the organisation, 12 wounded patients, including elderly men, women, and children, were received at the Lankien health facility after the airstrikes. One patient later died from injuries sustained, while the most common cases involved fractures and deep lacerations.

“MSF reiterates its call for the protection of medical facilities, healthcare workers, and patients in line with international humanitarian law,” said Ibrahim Muhammad, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan.

He also urged all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and allow timely referrals of critically ill patients out of Lankien.

In Jonglei State, MSF operates health programs in Lankien, Pieri, Toch, and Akobo, providing emergency and routine medical care to conflict-affected communities.

Nationwide, the organisation reported at least eight attacks on health facilities and workers in 2025, resulting in the closure of two hospitals and the suspension of primary healthcare services in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Central Equatoria states.

MSF has worked in South Sudan since 1983 and remains one of the largest humanitarian medical providers in the country.

In 2024 alone, MSF teams carried out more than 800,000 outpatient consultations and treated over 84,800 inpatients, including emergency referrals from remote areas such as Lankien.

Humanitarian groups warn that continued insecurity and attacks on health infrastructure threaten access to care for millions of vulnerable civilians across the country.