(Adnkronos) – Doctors Without Borders is deeply alarmed by the increase in violence in Baidoa, in the southwestern State of Somalia, and its consequences on civilians and their access to healthcare. The medical organization stated in a press release that new fighting broke out yesterday morning in Baidoa city and surrounding areas, for the third time since August 17. Reportedly, a health facility was severely damaged, and a healthcare worker was killed. An ambulance was looted, and civilian homes were also attacked. Two medical staff members working alongside MSF teams were robbed, and one was injured.
At Bay Regional Hospital, MSF medical teams, collaborating with the Ministry of Health, received 69 victims of the violence, including 5 children, while 3 people died. Roads leading to Baidoa hospitals have been blocked since the fighting began, severely limiting access to medical care. Only a small number of injured patients managed to reach Bay Regional Hospital, where MSF works. The NGO calls on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, patients, healthcare workers, and medical facilities, and to ensure that people in need of medical care can reach hospitals safely and without hindrance.
“This is the third time in six weeks that fighting has broken out in Baidoa, with devastating consequences for the population. It is unacceptable for civilians and healthcare to be caught up in the violence. Injured people need immediate medical care, but many cannot reach the hospital. Without timely care, many could die,” stated Dr. Elshafie Mohammed, MSF project manager in Somalia. “Healthcare facilities, healthcare workers, and patients must never be targeted. We call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to ensure that patients can reach healthcare facilities safely, without fear, delays, or obstacles.”
MSF fears that many injured people are still unable to access care and expects a larger number of patients to arrive at Bay Regional Hospital once access routes are reopened. The disruptions affect not only those injured in the clashes but also people in need of other urgent and essential medical care. On August 17, armed clashes broke out in Baidoa city and surrounding areas. The Bay Regional Hospital teams received 94 wounded, including 29 women and 20 children, 5 of whom were under five years old. 4 deaths were recorded, including that of a young woman. A new wave of clashes began on the morning of September 3, when teams received 71 wounded, including 15 women and 12 children, and one person died. At Bay Regional Hospital, MSF works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, supporting the emergency, maternity, pediatric, nutrition, and outpatient departments.
