The World Health Organization (WHO) recently sounded the alarm regarding the major crisis shaking the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This devastating situation impacts the lives of millions of people and puts the country’s health system on the brink of collapse.
Violence linked to armed conflicts and intercommunal clashes has seen a worrying increase, causing the destruction of entire villages and triggering massive forced displacements. Millions of people find themselves in precarious conditions, without shelter, without food and without access to basic health care.
But the consequences don’t stop there. Natural disasters such as floods and landslides add to the suffering of populations, also hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid.
WHO warns of increased risk of deadly epidemics, such as measles, cholera, malaria, COVID-19, polio, meningitis, smallpox and plague. The number of suspected cases of cholera has already reached more than 29,000 in six provinces in eastern DRC since the start of the year, causing the death of 121 people.
These humanitarian and health crises are unfortunately the result of decades of violence perpetrated by different armed groups. The M23, in particular, is accused by the Congolese authorities of being supported by Rwanda. The figures are alarming, with more than two million internally displaced people due to the atrocities committed by these armed terrorist groups.
Faced with this desperate situation, it is imperative to take urgent measures to help the population of eastern DRC. Additional resources must be mobilized to ensure access to health care, drinking water, food and shelter in a sustainable manner.
The international community cannot remain indifferent to this major humanitarian crisis. It is essential to coordinate efforts and provide financial and logistical support to alleviate the suffering of the millions of people affected by this emergency.
The time has come to mobilize the necessary resources and show solidarity with the population of eastern DRC. The survival and well-being of millions of lives depend on our collective action.