Two Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) emergency teams comprised of medics, logistics staff and water treatment specialists have today begun medical activities for people displaced by the recent fighting in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

An estimated 20,000 people fled to two UN compounds and to other gathering points around the city, seeking refuge from the intense fighting that erupted in Juba earlier this week. After conducting an independent assessment of the needs, two MSF teams are working to address the medical needs of the displaced.

Gunshot wounds

"A few patients have direct violence wounds, such as gunshots, but the situation has calmed now in Juba and trauma medicine no longer seems to be the main need," says Forbes Sharp, MSF Emergency Coordinator in Juba. "The displaced people do not yet feel safe to return to their homes and they are unwilling to cross town to seek healthcare in regular hospitals and clinics. So we are taking healthcare to them."

Elsewhere in the country reports of armed opposition fighting against the SPLA (South Sudanese Army) are rife. MSF has teams close to some critical areas of reported fighting and MSF is increasing its medical response and capacity where security allows.