Bentiu, Unity State — Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has issued a clarification regarding the recent concerns raised by the community in Bentiu about the relocation of its medical services from the Bentiu camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Bentiu State Hospital (BSH).
In a statement released on 4th February 2025, MSF emphasized that the organization is not leaving Bentiu but rather strengthening the local healthcare system in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH). The aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of healthcare services for both IDPs and the surrounding population in Unity State.
It stated that this shift is part of a larger plan to reposition all primary and secondary healthcare services from the Bentiu IDP camp facility to BSH by the end of 2025. MSF’s partnership with the MoH will allow the two entities to continue providing critical medical treatment and support to the local communities, with a focus on enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.
“We understand that change can create uncertainty, and we are grateful for the feedback we’ve received from the community and stakeholders. This transition is designed to not only maintain but improve healthcare services in Unity State,” said James Mutharia, MSF’s project coordinator for the Bentiu hospital transition.
The first phase of the transition began on October 31, 2024, with the successful opening of a newly rehabilitated pediatric unit at Bentiu State Hospital. In the two months since its launch, 605 children have been treated in partnership with the MoH. The unit, with a capacity of 48 beds, provides a wide range of services, including outpatient and inpatient care for conditions like malaria, pneumonia, and sepsis.
On Monday, (Yesterday) Internally displaced persons in Bentiu protested, urging MSF to remain and continue providing healthcare services to vulnerable communities. Many describe MSF as a lifesaving agency, especially as its hospital in the camp faces imminent closure.
Looking ahead, MSF said it will gradually transfer additional services, including maternity, surgical, and emergency care, to Bentiu State Hospital, with a focus on ensuring continuity of care.
Despite the move, MSF promised to offer essential services in the Bentiu IDP camp, including sexual and reproductive health services, as well as health promotion and community engagement activities.
“All services provided and supported by MSF will remain free of charge to ensure that everyone has access to necessary healthcare,” Mutharia added. “We remain committed to engaging with the community, providing updates, and addressing concerns as we proceed with the transition.”
MSF reiterated that the transition is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen healthcare services in Unity State, while maintaining the flexibility to respond to emergencies such as floods and disease outbreaks.
 has issued a clarification regarding the recent concerns raised by the community in Bentiu about the relocation of its medical services from the Bentiu camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Bentiu State Hospital (BSH).){kind=link}