MSF launches emergency response to anti-migrant violence in South Africa

Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, has launched an emergency humanitarian response after a surge in anti-migrant violence in South Africa led to the displacement of tens of thousands and caused deaths and injuries.

The violence followed a June 30 deadline issued by anti-migrant groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.

Although the groups said they were targeting undocumented migrants, the medical charity said refugees, asylum seekers and documented migrants have also reported threats, assaults and intimidation.

MSF reported that foreigners from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Ghana have fled their homes to seek shelter in churches, parks, consulates and other temporary safe havens after attacks that also destroyed homes and disrupted livelihoods.

"We are deeply saddened to see people fleeing harassment and violence," Claire Waterhouse, MSF's emergency coordinator said in a statement on Thursday.

"We are very concerned that this situation is escalating into a humanitarian crisis. Our priority is to address disrupted access to healthcare for those most at risk, regardless of who they are or where they come from," she added.

The organization said it has deployed emergency teams to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and border towns of Musina and Beitbridge, where they are providing primary healthcare, first aid, mental health support and treatment for chronic illnesses.

MSF noted that many displaced people fled without medication or medical records, raising concerns over interruptions in treatment for patients with HIV, tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension and mental health conditions.

"We are particularly concerned about continuity of care. Additionally, we are prioritizing the immediate needs of young children, pregnant women and survivors of violence," MSF nurse Phumla Tsotetsi said.

victor@chinadailyafrica.com