MSF first began working in Abyei Special Administrative Area (ASSA) in 1997. ASAA a contested zone located on the border between South Sudan and Sudan, whose status has not yet been resolved since South Sudan gained independence.

In 2006, MSF Switzerland began providing essential and lifesaving medical services in ASAA, and in 2008 opened a hospital in Agok. The hospital provided essential and lifesaving medical services, such as emergency and surgical care; obstetrics, neonatal and paediatric care; vaccinations; therapeutic feeding; treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, diabetes, malaria, snakebites; as well as other health services.

In February 2022, violent armed clashes in Agok resulted in approximately 70,000 people fleeing the area – with about half going south to Twic County in Warrap State in South Sudan and the other half going north to Abyei town in ASAA. As a result, MSF ceased operations in Agok and re-diverted our medical activities to the locations where the displaced population have fled.

In Abyei, MSF are providing support to Ameth-Bek Hospital, conducting inpatient and outpatient care, surgery and post-operative care, comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care, as well as treatment for TB, HIV and non-communicable diseases.