MSF Withdraws Medical Team Over Escalating Violence In Zamfara

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has withdrawn part of its medical teams at the Zurmi General Hospital, saying unable to function optimally due to escalation of violence across Zamfara State.

MSF’s field communication officer, Abdulkareem Yakubu, in a release stated that the decision was a difficult one being the only international medical actor in Zurmi. Continuous heavy fighting has been taking place in Zurmi town since December 10, with some of the confrontations occurring dangerously close to the hospital supported by Médecins sans Frontières.

“These clashes have provoked the displacement of thousands of people in need of security, shelter and access to basic services. Humanitarian support is needed to help those in dire need of assistance. 

“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 the town. In this context, our team is concerned about patients in need of medical treatment as they are unable to reach the hospital in a safe manner,” he said.

MSF’s deputy field coordinator in Zurmi, Adjide Hermann, said some of the patients refused to leave the hospital out of fear.

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 “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,” he said

MSF’s country representative, Dr Simba Tirima,  expressed deep concern, saying; “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.

“With violent clashes taking place a few meters from the hospital compound on December 11, MSF is no longer able to guarantee the safety of patients or staff.”