On Friday, 10 May, the town of Macomia, in the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique, was attacked. During this attack, MSF premises were looted. All MSF staff are safe and accounted for. However, drugs, medical equipment and cars were stolen.
MSF condemns the use of violence against its medical mission and is very concerned about the misuse of clearly marked MSF equipment and material and the misperception this can create in the communities in Cabo Delgado. The attack has forced MSF to suspend all its activities in Macomia. Nevertheless, MSF remains dedicated to offering medical care in its other projects in Cabo Delgado.
The population of Cabo Delgado, one of the poorest provinces of Mozambique, has been suffering from violence for more than six years. This attack in Macomia has reduced their access to healthcare even further.
The population of Cabo Delgado, one of the poorest provinces of Mozambique, has been suffering from violence for more than six years. This attack in Macomia has reduced their access to healthcare even further. MSF was providing primary health services and life-saving activities in its maternity and emergency unit, for a population of more than 150.000 people. MSF also ensured referrals to the closest hospital in Pemba, a three-hour drive through a conflict area.
MSF has been providing medical care and humanitarian assistance to the population of Mozambique for 40 years, responding to natural disasters, conflicts and epidemics. Today, MSF runs several medical projects in Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Sofala provinces.
