The organisation said it “has made the difficult decision to close” these facilities which have been operational since 2006 and 2008 respectively.

It has also said it will restructure its support to Istarlin Hospital in Guri-el town.

“Deteriorating security conditions in this area do not allow MSF to operate in its traditional manner with expatriate staff assisting on the ground.” said MSF’s Operational Director for Somalia, Brice de le Vingne.

“However we expect that our well trained staff can continue to offer free basic health services of high quality to the people of this area,” added Brice de le Vingne.

In recent years, MSF has significantly invested in training of staff in Istarlin and in telemedicine— a form of telecommunication which enables the provision of clinical health care at a distance.

According to the organisation, through the new system of self-management, international experts remotely carry out real-time medical consultations and provide guidance to local colleagues in Istarlin.