The Lusenda refugee camp, located in Fizi territory, South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is currently attracting attention due to the visit of two senior officials of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) from Geneva. This visit, which was part of a routine mission, aimed to take the pulse of the living conditions of the displaced Burundians who have found shelter in this camp.
A crucial point of the assessment carried out by Dr Marc Woodman of UNHCR was the need to strengthen protection measures against Mpox, a disease that poses a threat to the refugee community. Indeed, the territory of Fizi was not included in the first phase of vaccination against Mpox, which motivated UNHCR to advocate for its inclusion in the second phase of the response.
Dr Marc Woodman stressed the importance for refugees in the Lusenda and Mulongwe camps to strictly adhere to recommended prevention measures, particularly with regard to hygiene and health standards established by the host country. The situation is all the more critical as the Kamvivira transit camp in Uvira territory has already been identified as a high-risk focus for Mpox, and has therefore benefited from a targeted vaccination campaign.
This visit highlights the challenges faced by Burundian refugees in the region, but also the mobilization of humanitarian actors to prevent health risks and improve the living conditions of displaced people. The work of UNHCR and other organizations is essential to ensure the protection and well-being of vulnerable populations, and this visit to the Lusenda camp is a concrete illustration of this.
Ultimately, it is crucial that the international community continues to support efforts to ensure the safety and respect of the rights of refugees, regardless of their place of residence. Solidarity and cooperation are essential values in promoting a more just and inclusive world for all.