MSF responds to outbreaks of violence in Johannesburg

In response to recent outbreaks of violence in Johannesburg, South Africa, MSF is currently providing emergency medical care for wounded people seeking shelter in police stations, community halls, and other locations to which they have fled for safety. Since December 2007, MSF teams have been providing medical assistance to vulnerable Zimbabweans seeking refuge in South Africa. Following the recent outbreak of violence, mobile teams were swiftly organized to respond to the current situation, providing emergency medical care.

The violence, which is being aimed primarily at foreign nationals from neighboring countries, first erupted in Alexandra township on Sunday, May 11, and has since spread to several other townships, reaching central Johannesburg at the weekend. MSF has sent mobile teams to a total of 14 locations*, where there have been outbreaks of violence. “We have been treating gunshot wounds, head traumas, wounds resulting from beatings, lacerations, burns and other violence-related injuries,” said Dr. Eric Goemaere, MSF medical coordinator in South Africa.

Read the full article here http://www.msf.org.za/articles/article_SouthAfrica_JHBviolence_200508.html