Access to Healthcare

Correcting misinformation about the killings of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff in Tigray (Ethiopia)

MSF has never claimed to have any knowledge of the perpetrators or identified those responsible for the killing of our three colleagues in Tigray on 24 June, as has been erroneously reported in an online media outlet. MSF is still unclear on the details of what happened or who is behind this terrible act. This type of erroneous reporting can put both our patients and staff in serious and immediate danger.

MSF has called on the parties involved in the conflict to investigate the circumstances leading to the incomprehensible deaths of Maria Hernández, Yohannes Halefom and Tedros Gebremariam. It is not acceptable that after our request we are yet to receive clear indications on the status of the investigations and/or if their findings will be shared with us.

María, Yohannes and Tedros were killed in an attack on 24 June while travelling in a clearly marked MSF vehicle and were wearing clothing that identified them as MSF aid workers. In response to the killings, MSF announced the suspension of activities in Abi Adi, Adigrat and Axum, in central and eastern Tigray. MSF teams in other areas of Tigray continue to provide assistance to people in urgent need.

MSF medical teams work in more than 70 countries to provide lifesaving assistance where it is needed the most. We work according to principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality; providing assistance to people who need it the most, regardless of who they are, where they come from, their political or religious beliefs.