Far North: Mada hospital shutdown, UN Humanitarian Coord condemns armed attack

The ad Interim United Nations Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs in Cameroon, Olivier Beer said the attack on the hospital on July 2, 2022, and its subsequent closure will affect “Thousands of people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, host communities and population in neighboring localities of Nigeria and Chad could be deprived of essential healthcare.

Also read ICRC article on Mada: Cameroon: Mada Hospital, a beacon of hope in a sea of violence | International Committee of the Red Cross (icrc.org)

This has also made it extremely hard the transfer injured civilians to other health facilities coupled with insecurity, and poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season, OCHA said.

Non-State Armed Actors are said to have invaded the hospital, located in Logone and Chari Division on July 2, 2022. They killed one civilian forcing authorities to shut down the health facility.

While condemning the attack, Mr. Beer said, “Violence against medical facilities, health workers, and patients is a violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law. All parties to conflict are bound by a strict obligation to respect and protect medical personnel, facilities, and vehicles, as well as the wounded and sick.”

The date of the reopening of the Mada hospital is unsure.