Bay Region Hospital Receives 69 People Injured in Baydhabo Conflict

The Bay Regional Hospital in the city of Baidoa received 69 people injured in a conflict that occurred in the city on September 28, according to the organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

According to MSF, among those taken to the hospital were five children , while three people died, with the organization noting that this number only reflects those who reached the Bay Regional Hospital, and therefore does not represent the total number of casualties from the conflict.

During the fighting, roads leading to some health facilities were closed, which hindered the ability of the injured and others in need of medical care to reach health facilities quickly.

MSF stated that this situation could make the actual number of people affected by the conflict higher than those brought to the hospital.

The organization also reported that a health facility was severely damaged , and one of the health workers was killed. Additionally, an ambulance was attacked, with two health workers collaborating with the teams supported by MSF being attacked, one of whom was injured.

MSF expressed concern about the impact of such conflicts on the safety of health facilities, health workers, and emergency transport.

The organization pointed out that when health roads are closed or facilities and ambulances are obstructed, it becomes difficult for the injured to receive urgent care, which can increase the risk of death and injury.

According to MSF, this conflict has been the third to occur inside and around Baydhabo within a span of six weeks . The recurrence of the fighting is putting additional pressure on the health services in the city, particularly the Bay Regional Hospital, which has previously catered to individuals with various humanitarian needs, including displaced persons and children suffering from malnutrition.

The data presented by MSF indicates the strain that the conflict has placed on health services in Baydhabo, with an ongoing need to assess the situation of people in areas affected by the violence and the casualties from the fighting that have not reached health facilities.

Health and humanitarian agencies are facing additional challenges related to security, the delivery of aid, and the protection of health workers, while civilians still require continuous health services.