Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has permanently closed its hospital in Lankien after a devastating bombardment on 3 February. The closure marks the end of 31 years of continuous medical service in an area where access to healthcare is already extremely limited.
MSF suspended all medical activities immediately after a bomb struck a warehouse داخل the hospital compound, destroying essential medical supplies and critical infrastructure.
Although responsibility for the attack has not been officially confirmed, MSF noted that government forces are believed to be the only party in the conflict with the capacity to carry out aerial bombardments. At the time, government forces were reported to be in control of the area.
In the aftermath of the airstrike, the hospital was looted, partially burned, and extensively vandalized, leaving the facility in ruins. MSF has not yet identified those responsible for the looting and destruction.
“We are outraged by what we witnessed,” said Gul Badshah. “The level of destruction is beyond anything we could imagine. Our vehicles were riddled with bullet holes, medical supply buildings were burned to the ground, and even paediatric equipment was deliberately destroyed.”
Hours before the attack, patients had been evacuated and discharged due to rising tensions. Following the bombardment of both the hospital and the local market, many residents fled the area.
The destruction of Lankien hospital is part of a broader and alarming trend of violence against healthcare in South Sudan. Since early 2025, MSF reports that at least 12 of its facilities and staff have been affected by attacks or violent incidents.
These events have forced the closure of four hospitals, including those in Ulang, Old Fangak, Akobo, and now Lankien, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without access to essential medical care.
“Attacks on medical facilities, healthcare workers, and civilians are unacceptable and must stop,” Badshah emphasized. He called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and protect both civilians and healthcare services.
MSF is urging South Sudanese authorities to provide transparent explanations, ensure accountability, and take concrete steps to safeguard healthcare and humanitarian operations.
MSF began its work in Lankien in 1995, initially responding to kala azar, a neglected tropical disease. Over time, the facility expanded into the region’s only advanced healthcare center, serving approximately 250,000 people.
With its permanent closure, communities in the area are now left without critical medical services, increasing the risk of preventable illness and death.
 has permanently closed its hospital in Lankien after a devastating bombardment on 3 February. The closure marks the end of 31 years of continuous medical service in an area where access to healthcare is already extremely limited.){kind=link}