The provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo are experiencing an upsurge in infectious diseases, notably cholera and measles, as well as an increase in the number of internally displaced persons. The floods that affected several provinces earlier this year also caused considerable damage to 36 health facilities in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Kasai and Tshopo, further increasing health needs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that to date, more than 17,000 cholera cases and 148 deaths have been recorded in North Kivu province since December 2022, with the disease also affecting the neighboring province. of South Kivu. In addition, the two provinces account for 82% of measles cases recorded in the country this year, out of a total of more than 136,000 cases including 2,000 deaths. In the provinces of Mai-Ndombe, Kasaï and Tshopo, floods and inter-community conflicts have led to the displacement of almost 100,000 people, while leading to a measles epidemic affecting around 18,000 people with 444 deaths.
In this context, the United Nations humanitarian agencies have called for an immediate intensification of assistance operations to the affected population. In view of the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the DRC, the WHO has also decided to immediately intensify assistance operations for the affected populations.
The main health needs include basic emergency health care, including sexual and reproductive health services, mental health and psychosocial support, as well as care for victims of gender-based violence and traumas.
WHO recalls that this year, at least 174 million dollars are needed to provide emergency health assistance, but only 23 million dollars, or 13%, have been mobilized.
Faced with this situation, it is imperative that partners remain mobilized and that additional efforts are made to ensure that the most vulnerable people have access to vital health services. The survival and dignity of millions of Congolese affected by this complex humanitarian situation depends on it.