New York, April 14, 2004 - Against the background of increasing tension and insecurity in large parts of Iraq, the three Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinics in Sadr City remain open. More than 90 Iraqi staff continue to operate the clinics on the outskirts of Baghdad and perform 3,000 consultations each week.

Meanwhile, the MSF team also tries to assess the medical needs related to the recent surge in violence. They have donated surgical and emergency medical supplies to the remaining health facilities in Fallujah, in collaboration with the Iraqi Red Crescent. On Sunday, MSF flew an additional nine tons of medical supplies and three tons of high-protein biscuits to Baghdad.

The high levels of insecurity, however, make it difficult for the international workers and Iraqi staff to travel around the country and assess health needs first-hand.