### Goma: Cries of distress and the fight for survival in the midst of violence
The city of Goma, a symbol of resilience and the fight against adversity, is once again the scene of a humanitarian tragedy of alarming proportions. On Thursday, January 23, the CBCA Ndosho hospital is receiving a constant flow of wounded, a direct consequence of the clashes between the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the M23 rebels supported by Rwanda. This emergency situation, mentioned by Myriam Favier, head of the sub-delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Goma, raises crucial questions about the humanitarian issues and the capacities of the Congolese health system.
### A critical situation for the CBCA Ndosho hospital
With more than 240 patients admitted, the CBCA Ndosho hospital, which has only 146 beds, is facing extreme overload. Myriam Favier does not hide her concern: “Since this morning, we have received more than 70 patients, and they continue to flow from all sides.” This figure represents a doubling, even a tripling of the usual flow. The current situation highlights the fragility of a health system already weakened by years of conflict and neglect.
Comparatively, in 2022, the hospital had recorded a peak of 120 admissions per week following other humanitarian crises. The explosion in admissions in a single morning testifies to a worrying escalation of violence in the region, which is undermining not only the health infrastructure, but also the morale of medical staff, exposed to unprecedented pressure.
### Humanitarian response: Capacity building
To cope with this influx of wounded, the ICRC has decided to strengthen its surgical programme within the hospital. The provision of four operating theatres is a glimmer of hope in the midst of the turmoil. However, this strategic choice raises questions about the resources mobilized and the sustainability of this support in a context of recurring violence.
Alongside the CBCA Ndosho hospital, coordination with other establishments such as the Kyeshero hospital and the Bukavu general hospital underlines the need for a systemic approach in crisis management. Currently, the ICRC seems to be playing a pioneering role in organizing medical evacuations to alleviate the pressure. However, the lack of human and material resources remains a thorn in the side of these efforts.
### Underlying issues: A vicious circle
The conflicts in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are not just statistics or one-off events. They have a lasting impact on the health of populations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 13 million Congolese are in need of humanitarian assistance, while millions more suffer from untreated illnesses due to violence and instability..
Through this spiral of violence, the means of access to adequate health care are not only threatened, but actually diminished. The current situation in Goma is representative of an ecosystem where helplessness in the face of conflict not only leads to immediate human losses, but creates fertile ground for long-term public health issues, such as malnutrition and the epidemic of infectious diseases.
### A glimmer of hope: International mobilization and solidarity
Faced with this crisis, humanitarian organizations and the international community are called upon to strengthen their support. Initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the disease, providing access to care and supporting medical personnel on the ground are crucial areas to consider in order to create an atmosphere of hope and solidarity.
On the other hand, the results of the survey conducted by Fatshimetrie.org reveal that a large part of the population is ready to engage in local initiatives to improve the situation. It is therefore not in vain to hope that the union of international and local forces can breathe new life into this devastated region.
### Conclusion
The increase in the number of wounded at the CBCA Ndosho hospital in Goma is not a simple isolated incident. It represents the culmination of a complex conflict, where public health, human rights, and local solidarity issues are intertwined in a tragic picture. As the fighting continues, the international community must act beyond simple humanitarian gestures to establish a lasting peace. A sustained and integrated approach could offer the necessary hope to millions of Congolese who continue to live in anxiety and uncertainty. Goma deserves more than emergency aid; it deserves a secure and promising future.