The Democratic Republic of Congo faces a health crisis with preventable diseases surging, including a significant increase in cholera and Mpox cases. The ongoing conflict and suspension of USAID funding have critically weakened the health system, leaving millions vulnerable. Urgent international intervention is necessary to prevent further escalation and loss of life in DRC.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently facing a surge in preventable diseases, highlighted by a significant increase in cholera, Mpox, and measles cases in North Kivu. In February alone, cholera cases rose by 326, with a doubling of new infections to over 3,850 reported in January, resulting in 67 deaths, according to Oxfam’s analysis of WHO data. The country’s health system is under immense strain due to ongoing violence and the suspension of USAID funding, which is exacerbating the public health crisis.
Conflict has severely impacted DRC’s ability to manage health crises, with the destruction of hospitals and vital sanitation infrastructure leaving the population vulnerable. The ongoing violence has led to the dismantling of displacement camps, further complicating access to water and healthcare. Oxfam DRC Country Director, Dr. Manenji Mangundu, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “This is turning into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe.”
The suspension of aid programs, particularly those funded by USAID, poses a grave danger to the 7.8 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in DRC, who are already facing challenges regarding food, water, and shelter. Areas like Kirotshe and the city of Goma are struggling with inadequate access to clean water, and over 70 health facilities in North Kivu have been destroyed or are unable to cope with disease outbreaks.
Staff member Kamara Wabomundu from the CCLK/Bulimba Health Zone described the impact of funding cuts: “When our funding was cut, everything collapsed—we had no backup plan. Neither the hospitals nor the communities were prepared.” This reality illustrates the urgent need for continued support to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Moreover, the closure of banks has hindered emergency aid distribution, while shutdowns of Goma and Kavumu airports have led to soaring food prices. Dr. Mangundu remarked, “The international community needs to understand that the systems are rapidly collapsing in DRC. Every moment of inaction means more lives are being lost that could be saved.”
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with a severe health crisis driven by escalating preventable diseases amidst ongoing violence and the withdrawal of vital humanitarian support. The situation calls for immediate international attention and action to stabilize health services and provide essential aid to the millions affected. Failure to address these issues promptly could result in continued loss of life and further humanitarian catastrophe.
Original Source: www.oxfam.org.nz
