The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is unfortunately a region that bears the deep scars of the armed conflicts that have ravaged it for decades. This violence has devastating consequences on the health of local populations and significantly impacts society as a whole. In this region of the world where economic interests mix with political tensions, the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) has decided to undertake a major scientific study to precisely assess this health impact.
Dr. Dieudonné Mwamba, Director General of the INSP, made the bold decision to launch this strategic study, thus highlighting the urgency of taking into account the consequences of armed conflicts on public health. This unique initiative aims to draw up a complete picture of the short, medium and long-term repercussions of violence on the health of populations, but also on health structures already weakened by years of conflict.
The alarming figures provided by the United Nations reveal the scale of the human disaster caused by these conflicts: millions of dead and displaced, broken families, an economy brought to its knees… But beyond these tragic statistics lie even darker realities. Infectious diseases are spreading, malnutrition is becoming endemic, gender-based violence is intensifying, and psychological trauma is multiplying, leaving deep scars within communities.
In a context where 19 of the 34 health zones in North Kivu are in the grip of total insecurity, where health facilities are looted, burned, and where medical personnel are targeted, it is crucial to understand the overall impact of this violence on public health and on society as a whole. The disastrous consequences of armed conflicts have repercussions on all aspects of daily life, weakening the local economy, degrading essential infrastructure and undermining people’s trust in the authorities.
The study undertaken by the INSP thus offers a unique opportunity to highlight these devastating effects, but it also goes beyond this by providing factual data and concrete recommendations for developing appropriate public health policies. By raising awareness among the international community about the invisible consequences of armed conflicts, it paves the way for collective awareness and concerted action to improve the situation of affected populations.
Thus, by analyzing the health impact of armed conflicts in the DRC, the INSP is engaging in a crucial approach for the reconstruction of a sustainable health system, for the protection of vulnerable populations and for the promotion of peace and stability in a region scarred by years of conflict.This study, through its ambition and scientific rigor, should help to inform decision-makers on the crucial issues related to public health in conflict zones, and to generate international mobilization in favor of concerted and effective humanitarian action.