Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has decided to withdraw its staff from Zurmi Hospital in Zamfara State due to worsening security conditions.
MSF’s Field Communication Officer, Adulkareem Yakubu, stated that armed confrontations in Zurmi town, particularly close to the hospital, pose significant risks to both the local population and medical missions.
Since December 10, continuous heavy fighting has been reported in Zurmi town, leading to the displacement of thousands of people. Mr. Yakubu emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian support to assist those affected by the conflict.
The escalating security challenges forced MSF to evacuate part of its team from Zurmi town, impacting the provision of healthcare to the community.
Some patients, fearing for their safety, refused to leave the hospital. As a result, MSF had to reduce its team, and the staff remaining faced concerns about their safety.
Adjide Hermann, MSF’s deputy field coordinator in Zurmi, expressed concerns about the situation, stating that some patients were afraid to leave the hospital, and the team had no choice but to reduce its presence.
Simba Tirima, MSF’s country representative, urgently appealed to the conflicting parties to cease hostilities to protect the population and the medical mission.
The renewed conflict in Zurmi town, particularly in December, led to several killings and displacements.
The insecurity in Zamfara state, marked by kidnappings and disruptions of socio-economic activities, has forced thousands of people into unsanitary conditions in unofficial camps and temporary shelters.
In light of the intense crossfire near the hospital compound, MSF could no longer guarantee the safety of patients or staff.
The situation prompted the team to seek shelter in the hospital during one attack and later compelled them to sleep in the security room during a second attack.
Despite the challenges, MSF remains committed to providing medical support in Zamfara state.
However, they emphasize the crucial need for improvements in the security situation to ensure the safety of both patients and medical staff.
In 2023, MSF collaborated with the Ministry of Health, conducting 448 surgical interventions, providing 700 emergency consultations, and assisting with 5,674 deliveries at the General Hospital in Zurmi.
MSF also operates at the Shinkafi General Hospital and Talata Mafara and Gummi, with pediatric units and malnutrition centers.
