Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is deeply saddened by the recent attack during the graduation of medical students from Benadir University, in Mogadishu, Somalia. In 2009, MSF was proud to support the training and recruit a number of Benadir University’s first medical graduates. They joined MSF’s other committed Somali staff whose work enables the organisation to continue to run 10 projects in eight regions throughout Somalia, with the support of a remote management team based in Nairobi.

Medical needs throughout the country are vast, and in many places made all the worse by high levels of violence and prolonged drought. In contrast, the provision of medical care is vastly insufficient and many people throughout the country suffer unnecessarily as a result of the lack of healthcare.

The medical graduates of Benadir University offer a rare hope for the Somali people, the possibility of lifesaving medical care. Medical staff provides assistance based on medical need alone, regardless of political or clan affiliation. Their work is crucial in reducing the suffering of the country’s most vulnerable, for example malnourished children, pregnant women, and men with trauma related injuries. In order to do this, the safety of medical staff and facilities must be assured.

MSF sends its thoughts and condolences to the families and friends of those who have suffered as a result of this tragic event.