After more than a decade of providing independent medical services to displaced communities in Unity State, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has officially completed the transition of its healthcare operations to Bentiu State Hospital (BSH), strengthening South Sudan’s local health system.
The handover, which began in July 2024 and was finalized in June 2025, marks a major milestone in MSF’s efforts to integrate its services into the national healthcare framework. The move aims to boost long-term sustainability, enhance local capacity, and ensure continuity of care for vulnerable populations in Bentiu and surrounding areas.
Since 2014, MSF has delivered a wide range of medical services—including maternal care, pediatrics, surgery, HIV/TB treatment, mental health support, and emergency response—from its standalone hospital in the Bentiu IDP camp. The shift to a collaborative model at BSH now places the Ministry of Health (MoH) at the center of care delivery, with MSF providing technical support, capacity building, and continued medical services.
“This transition lays a strong foundation for sustainable healthcare rooted in local ownership,” said Emmanuel Omale, MSF Project Coordinator in Bentiu.
“We remain committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health to expand access, improve service delivery, and build the capacity of healthcare workers, ensuring quality care even beyond MSF’s presence.”
So far in 2025, MSF has conducted over 21,698 medical consultations at BSH, including 4,036 emergency room visits, 397 childbirths, and 981 surgeries across both the hospital and former camp site. The organization has also responded to several disease outbreaks, including treating 4,779 cholera patients.
Simon Puot, Medical Director of Bentiu State Hospital, praised the transition as a game-changer for the region.
“This shift from the IDP camp to Bentiu State Hospital represents a significant milestone,” Puot said. “We’ve seen improvements in infrastructure, staffing, and a real reduction in mortality rates.”
“When we have trained personnel, medicine, and equipment, lives are saved. This partnership with MSF ensures our people receive the quality healthcare they deserve.”
Despite the progress, serious challenges remain—particularly within the Bentiu IDP camp. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions are still critical, and recent cuts in humanitarian funding have stalled efforts to rehabilitate sanitation infrastructure and deliver clean water.
MSF is calling on humanitarian and development partners to renew their support in addressing these pressing needs to avoid disruptions in service delivery.
“A resilient and sustainable health system must be backed by consistent support and investment,”Omale added.
“Improving emergency response, ensuring clean water access, and rebuilding sanitation infrastructure are essential to protecting public health.”
As MSF continues to support the Unity State health sector, it reaffirms its commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Health and local communities to uphold the right to accessible, high-quality healthcare for all.
