For decades, the Central African Republic (CAR) has been plagued by instability and armed violence, contributing to one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. However, the dire living conditions of the people in CAR largely go unnoticed by the world due to the limited media coverage possible in the country, and as this coverage primarily focuses on security and geopolitical dynamics.

But amidst the overshadowing security narrative, a silent health crisis is unfolding. The country has one of the most restricted access to healthcare worldwide. Recent estimates indicate that less than half of the health facilities in CAR are fully functional, and the country has only 0.6 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, which is less than half the African average. In addition to economic and security barriers to access healthcare, the lack of medical and humanitarian organizations present in several areas exacerbates the situation. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that CAR has one of the lowest life expectancies on earth.

MSF's presence in the country is one of the largest worldwide, with nearly 2,800 staff working tirelessly to support health authorities and improve access to healthcare. In the Mbomou prefecture, MSF is supporting numerous health facilities, from small remote health posts to the Bangassou regional university hospital (HRUB). Initially launched as an emergency response to the massive violence that shook the country in 2013-2014, MSF's project in this area now covers a significant portion of the prefecture. Mobile teams visit health facilities, providing essential equipment, vaccines, and vital medicines for prevalent childhood diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections. MSF also trains often unqualified health workers and arranges patient referrals in critical condition to Bangassou's hospital, where the organization supports all vital services.

However, despite this support, the situation remains dire. Humanitarian organisations are scarce in this region, even though violence has been relatively limited compared to other areas. The lack of access to water and electricity in health facilities, along with the economic difficulties faced by the population, exacerbates a massive health crisis, which MSF alone can only mitigate. A situation that calls for increased humanitarian funding and efforts to support the population in CAR.