On June 27, 2024, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, announced the suspension of its medical services in the Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Rathedaung townships of northern Rakhine State, Myanmar. This decision follows an increase in indiscriminate violence and severe restrictions on humanitarian access, making it impossible for MSF to safely continue its operations.
Since November 2023, MSF’s services in the region, which included 14 mobile clinics providing essential medical care to communities like the Rohingya, have experienced critical disruption. The organization has faced numerous challenges, including the destruction of an MSF office and pharmacy in Buthidaung in April, as well as ongoing conflict that has impeded the delivery of medical supplies and services.
In a statement, MSF expressed deep concern for the affected populations, highlighting the severe impact on access to healthcare, particularly for pregnant women and newborns. Between November 2023 and March 2024, MSF recorded nine maternal deaths or stillbirths due to the lack of medical services. The organization called on all parties to the conflict to ensure humanitarian access and respect the protected status of healthcare facilities and staff.
Despite the suspension, MSF remains committed to resuming its activities as soon as conditions permit and continues to advocate for the restoration of medical care access for the most vulnerable communities in northern Rakhine.
