With the South Sudan civil war now in its fourth year, thousands of people who fled from ethnic violence continue to seek shelter at one of six Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites established by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. The largest of these is Bentiu, which serves as a place of refuge for nearly 115,000 people. Despite the presence of UN peacekeepers, violence is pervasive both within and outside the PoC. Armed robberies are common, and the confined living conditions are extremely poor. Women are exposed to sexual violence in and outside the PoC, and men risk being forcibly recruited into an armed group if they exit the site. Provision of water and sanitation services is particularly bad, resulting in serious health concerns for a large majority of the population.

It is within this context that MSF provides the only secondary healthcare and surgical services available both within the PoC and surrounding areas. The 160-bed facility includes a 24/7 emergency room and surgical care, an inpatient therapeutic feeding centre, treatment of HIV and TB, sexual and gender-based violence medical and psychological care, mental health support, outreach activities, and capacity to respond to mass casualty events. Referrals by plane regularly take place from the nearby MSF projects in Lankien and Leer and Mayendit counties. The main causes of morbidity and mortality in the PoC are malaria, acute watery diarrhea, malnutrition, and conditions linked to poor water and sanitation.