An MSF staff member using a stethoscope to listen to the chest of a patient. (Photo/MSF)

An official of the international medical charity – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says the organization has been a “beacon of hope for countless communities” as it marks 40 years of service in South Sudan.

MSF, rather known as Doctors Without Borders (MSF), has been on the frontlines of humanitarian aid, delivering life-saving medical assistance to those affected by conflict, disease, and displacement in the last four decades.

The organization started its activities in South Sudan back in 1983, with provision of emergency medical care to the host communities and to the refugees who were fleeing Uganda civil unrest.

Today, in South Sudan, MSF delivers one of its largest assistance programmes worldwide.

“Since the beginning, MSF has remained committed to its mission of delivering impartial and independent medical care to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances,” said Mohamamd Ibrahim – MSF head of mission in South Sudan, according to a press statement.

“Thanks to a long-standing collaboration with South Sudanese health authorities, as well as the continued engagement of local communities, MSF’s presence in South Sudan, a country marked by the conflict and complex healthcare challenges, has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals and communities.”

During the 40-year journey in South Sudan, MSF teams have been at the forefront of responding to numerous humanitarian crises, including conflict-related emergencies, epidemics, and malnutrition outbreaks.

Over the years, MSF has established and supported healthcare facilities across the country, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to medical care.

This includes services such as surgical care, maternal and child health, nutrition, and the treatment of infectious diseases like malaria and HIV.

Moreover, MSF has invested in training local medical staff through initiatives such as MSF Academy for Healthcare, empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to address healthcare needs in their communities.

“MSF has collaborated with local authorities and communities to enhance the impact of our work and better address the complex challenges faced by the people of South Sudan,” added Dr. Sigrid Lamberg, Head of Mission for MSF in South Sudan.

“Our 40 years in South Sudan have been a testament to the resilience of the South Sudanese people and the unwavering commitment of our teams. We look forward to continuing our mission, striving for a better and healthier future for all.”

To mark the 40 years of care, MSF held a photo exhibition in a local hotel on Wednesday, 8 November 2023.

The representatives of governmental authorities, non-government organizations, donor community and civil society attended the event.

A panel discussion was also held to reflect on the current humanitarian support for South Sudan, and the way forward to have a sustainable progress to improve the health and overall humanitarian situation in the country.

“The need for humanitarian assistance in South Sudan is as critical as ever. Strategic cross sector coordination and tangible investment is needed across sectors, with humanitarians continuing to respond to needs but equally partners providing long term, sustained and stable investment and engagement to achieve progress in the long term,” said Mr. Ibrahim.

MSF is an international medical humanitarian organization that provides care to populations in distress and victims of natural or man-made disasters and armed conflicts, regardless of race, region or political beliefs.

In South Sudan, MSF provides basic and specialized healthcare, respond to emergencies and outbreaks affecting isolated communities, and internally displaced people.

It currently offers medical services through 13 projects in seven of the 10 states and two administrative areas.