The recent surge in violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has caused significant losses in life, trauma, displacement and destruction of critical health infrastructure, exacerbating the already dire situation for millions of people.
The situation remains tense and unstable, and health needs are immeasurable. Who remains on the ground, provides life-saving medical supplies, helping healthcare workers, and coordinating emergency responses to continue to address health needs.
The hospital and Morgue are overwhelmed. Since January 26th, 843 deaths have been reported from 31 medical facilities in Goma and surrounding area in North Kivu.
Furthermore, the surprising spread of violence in the south has resulted in 65 injuries reported from three hospitals in South Kivu.
These numbers are expected to rise further as more injured people can reach medical facilities and more bodies are gathering from the streets. Wound infections are risky for those who have not been able to quickly reach the healthcare facility, and as the healthcare facility is running out of supplies, it must be cleaned and disinfected.
The sight of the body lying uneasy is painful. The bodies of people who have died from injuries generally do not carry or disperse illnesses, but the rights of the dead have been identified and have been subject to proper burial.
More than 70 people (or 6%) of North Kivu's medical facilities have been affected, some have been completely destroyed and others have struggled to reopen their businesses. Some ambulances are also damaged. The WHO supported clinic in North Kivu was temporarily occupied by armed groups. Health workers had to escape at locations, but in others they have limited resources and overwhelming demand for several days, and sometimes at risk to their own lives.
Cancer, diabetes, hypertension, mental health and other everyday services are also affected by the lack of medication and the absence or overload of healthcare workers.
The risk of death during pregnancy and childbirth has already increased from high levels. Given anxiety, pregnant women cannot reach medical facilities for safe delivery. The experience of conflict in this region shows the dramatic impact of getting closer to zero during periods of intense violence associated with birth.
The threat of infectious diseases is on the rise. Cholera, malaria, measles, meningitis, MPOX and tuberculosis are among the infectious threats in the region. Sesame water supply was destroyed and only partially reopened, leading people to use water from the lake, increasing the risk of cholera spread. Nearly 600 suspected cases of cholera and 14 deaths were reported by North Kibw between January 1 and 27.
The Democratic Republic of the Eastern Congo, particularly the province of South Kivu, is the epicenter of the MPOX outbreak that the WHO director urged last August to declare a public health emergency of international concern. MPOX responses are greatly affected. 90% of MPOX patients (128 out of 143) in Goma's separation unit fled for safety, and it was nearly impossible to provide care for them, increasing the risk of spread.
One in four people in the area already faced emergency levels of hunger, and recent violence was expected to make the situation worse. Malnutrition and illness go hand in hand: malnourished people cannot fight illness, but illness leads to further malnutrition. This vicious cycle is of particular concern for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Goma was home to over 2 million people, including 700,000 people who were refuge in the crisis. These people had to run away again in search of safety. They are located in temporary settlements, and their health and safety are at risk.
A rapid assessment of 10 health facilities in and around Goma showed that it was about increased rape and other gender-based violence. 45 cases have been reported among the displaced people, and 21 gang rape survivors have been admitted to two hospitals. These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. These patients need assistance by maintaining their healthcare, psychological support, and livelihood, especially when they are the sole providers of their families.
Those who deployed emergency medical supplies, sanitation and water treatment supplies, and tents to increase 1,000 floors. Supplies are depleted rapidly, and more resources are urgently needed.
Those preparing further delivery as an effort led by European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and as an effort to fly with critical supplies. To do this, it is necessary to urgently reopen the important lifeline of Goma Airport. They are also exploring options to provide critical supply through other routes.
The WHO and partners were able to resume MPOX vaccinations at Goma on Wednesday, February 5th, after a 10-day suspension.
The US's recent decision to freeze foreign aid has had a major impact on the rescue efforts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Last year, the US contributed to 70% of the country's humanitarian response. Additionally, the US is a leading MPOX-enabled funder and has pledged to stock 1 million vaccine doses for global efforts. The region's humanitarian response relies on funding from other donors, including the European Union, the UK and WHO Emergency Funds, but the overall decline in aid impacts people's health Give it.
To meet the immediate health needs of the Democratic Republic of the Eastern Congo, including safe and dignified burials that cost USD 600,000. The overall response would cost USD 50 million.
Those seeking humanitarian access, protection of healthcare workers and facilities, and ending attacks on healthcare. Healthcare facilities, supplies, workers and patients should be protected. Ultimately, we seek peace and end the long, unimaginable suffering of the people of this region.
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World Health Organization
