Insecurity in northern Nigeria continues to disrupt the daily lives of citizens, and this has a direct impact on medical care in the region. Recently, armed clashes broke out in the town of Zurmi, in Zamfara state, forcing the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) association to evacuate some of its staff to a safer location.
The fighting between armed groups and the Nigerian army took place near the Zurmi General Hospital, endangering medical staff and patients present at the scene. Hubert Kashama, medical coordinator for MSF in Nigeria, emphasizes that these attacks are getting closer and closer to health establishments, thus affecting the morale of medical staff. He said: “On two occasions, attacks and exchanges of fire came close to the hospital, which affected the morale of our existing medical staff.”
This precarious situation also has an impact on patients, who face fear and uncertainty. Some of them chose to leave the hospital out of fear for their safety. The medical coordinator emphasizes that this is the first time that the situation has worsened to this extent, directly affecting medical staff and health structures. Until now, the region was often affected by insecurity, but hospitals seemed spared.
This new escalation of violence in northern Nigeria highlights the tragic reality facing citizens of the region. Attacks by armed groups have a direct impact on access to medical care, as hospitals themselves become potential targets. This makes it increasingly difficult for humanitarian organizations and medical personnel to provide life-saving medical assistance to those in need.
This situation raises urgent questions about the safety of patients, medical staff and health facilities in insecurity-affected areas in Nigeria. It is essential that the authorities take concrete measures to protect health facilities and guarantee access to medical care for all residents of the region. Without rapid and coordinated action, people will continue to be deprived of the care they desperately need.