In South Kivu, the floods caused by the heavy rains had serious consequences, killing more than 400 people and destroying many buildings such as health centers and schools. Local communities, already living in precarious conditions, now find themselves in a humanitarian emergency.
Faced with this tragedy, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) intervened by sending a team of health specialists on the spot, to help the victims and prevent diarrheal diseases, which are particularly threatening given the resurgence of water.
The consequences of the floods have also seriously affected the water networks of the region. Communities are therefore forced to turn to untreated water sources, increasing the risk of disease, including cholera, which is endemic in the region. UNICEF is already responding by distributing water, sanitation and hygiene kits, as well as infection prevention and control (IPC) kits, chlorine for sanitation facilities, and many other materials.
At the same time, the organization is deploying cholera teams to strengthen disease surveillance, respond to any suspected cases, and increase hygiene promotion.
UNICEF, with these interventions, hopes to help the affected populations and prevent the floods from causing further human damage. The victims, in this humanitarian emergency, are in vital need of aid