Frontline Health Workers to Benefit from New MSF Academy in Bentiu

(BENTIU) – Conflict related sexual violence must end because it is both a matter of justice and a public health priority, a workshop in Bentiu, Unity State has been told.

The gathering was held to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, observed globally on 19 June each year.

Unity State was unable to mark the day on the usual date, so partners and the Ministry resolved to hold the event on 30 June 2026 to renew collective efforts against sexual violence linked to conflict.

The workshop was attended by the Minister of Health for Unity State, who participated in his capacity as Acting Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare. He was accompanied by the Director General of Gender and Social Welfare, Mrs Elizabeth Nyalada Bading.

In his remarks, the Acting Minister repeated the Governor’s call to end sexual violence and all forms of gender based violence in Unity State. He restated the Governor’s message to the people: “No one will be killed by the violence of conflict or suffer abuse because of conflict, because peace is our best medicine.”

The Acting Minister stressed that ending sexual violence in conflict is not only a matter of justice but also a public health priority. He called on community leaders, health workers, protection partners and all citizens to work together to prevent abuse, support survivors and ensure accountability.

The Ministry of Health and the Gender, Child and Social Welfare Agency remain committed to strengthening prevention, response services and community awareness across Unity State.

In a related development, the Unity State Ministry of Health, in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières, will inaugurate two facilities at Bentiu State Hospital on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

The event will launch the MSF Academy for Healthcare to strengthen frontline health workers and commission the Multi Purpose Diseases Outbreak Isolation Area to improve outbreak response and safety for patients and staff.

The Ministry said the move marks another step toward a stronger, more resilient health system in Unity State.