Title: The escalation of conflicts leads to an influx of wounded and displaced people in North Kivu: MSF’s urgent appeal
Introduction :
In North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recent armed clashes have created a critical humanitarian situation. Thousands of injured and displaced civilians are flocking to medical facilities supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), while tens of thousands of others seek refuge far from the violence. Faced with this crisis, MSF is launching an urgent appeal to all parties in conflict to guarantee the safety of patients, medical staff and health infrastructure, as well as to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations.
An influx of injured and displaced people:
The figures speak for themselves: since January 22, nearly 10,000 people have fled their homes and taken refuge in the Mweso general referral hospital, located in Masisi territory. These massive displacements are the direct consequence of the intensification of clashes between armed groups in the region.
MSF medical teams, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, treated 67 war wounded in January. Among these patients, there are mainly civilians affected by gunshot wounds or explosions, including 21 children under the age of 15. MSF also provided psychological support to these victims, while distributing temporary shelter, soap and water filters to people taking refuge in the hospital.
The critical situation at Mweso hospital:
The situation at the Mweso general referral hospital is extremely worrying. The number of people crammed inside the establishment is colossal, which makes the task of medical teams increasingly difficult. They nevertheless strive to provide care to all patients, despite the lack of basic necessities, such as food.
Towards a new wave of travel:
In neighboring South Kivu, the situation is no less worrying. Nearly 155,000 people have already been displaced since December 2022 and recent clashes have generated a new wave of massive displacements. Thousands of people have sought refuge in Bweremana and Minova, increasing pressure on medical structures such as the Minova general referral hospital, supported by MSF.
An urgent appeal from MSF:
Faced with this ever-worsening humanitarian crisis, MSF is launching an urgent appeal to all parties to the conflict to guarantee the safety of patients, medical staff and health infrastructure. It is essential to allow unhindered access for humanitarian organizations so that they can provide life-saving assistance to the affected population.
Conclusion :
The situation in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo is alarming. The armed clashes led to a massive influx of wounded and displaced people, putting enormous pressure on the medical structures supported by MSF. It is crucial that all parties take measures to ensure security and allow unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance. MSF remains committed to providing medical care and assistance to affected people, despite the logistical and security challenges encountered on the ground.