JUBA — Ongoing restrictions on humanitarian access in parts of Jonglei State are preventing lifesaving medical referrals for at least 20 critically ill patients, Doctors without Borders (MSF) has warned, placing their lives at immediate risk.
According to MSF, movement restrictions imposed since 30 December 2025 have severely limited the organization’s ability to transfer patients in urgent need of specialised care and to deliver essential medical supplies to its hospital in Lankien and primary healthcare centre in Pieri.
Every delay in referral, MSF said, significantly increases the risk of death or permanent disability for patients who cannot be treated locally.
The access constraints come amid rising humanitarian needs driven by ongoing conflict and population displacement in Jonglei State. Vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women and people living with chronic or life-threatening conditions, are particularly affected by the interruption of health services.
“Lives are being put at risk every day because critically ill patients cannot be referred for the care they urgently need,” said Gul Badshah, MSF Operations Manager. “Patient referrals are not optional or administrative procedures; they are lifesaving interventions.”
MSF is calling for unhindered humanitarian access, including predictable and regular flights to Jonglei State, to enable timely referrals, ensure the delivery of essential medical supplies and allow staff rotations.
As of mid-January 2026, humanitarian organisations have been unable to secure sustained and predictable access to several areas of Jonglei. The lack of humanitarian presence is contributing to worsening health conditions and increasing preventable illness and death, MSF said.
Health facilities supported by the charity are already facing severe service disruptions. In Lankien and Pieri, MSF is currently able to provide only lifesaving and emergency care.
Prior to the access restrictions, the two facilities were receiving approximately 1,700 patients per week combined, serving a catchment population of around 250,000 people.
Insecurity has also triggered population displacement, with an unknown number of people fleeing to remote areas to escape airstrikes and fighting.
While some have returned, many—particularly women and children—remain displaced without access to basic healthcare. MSF warned that continued access constraints could worsen displacement, weaken community coping mechanisms and further strain limited local health capacity.
Due to the deteriorating security situation, MSF was forced to evacuate some staff members from Lankien hospital on 31 December. The hospital remains operational but is limited to emergency and lifesaving services only.
MSF stressed that sustained and predictable humanitarian access is essential to maintain lifesaving services and prevent further deterioration of health outcomes for communities in Jonglei State.
