Escalating Conflict in South Kivu: MSF’s Response to Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict in South Kivu has intensified, with MSF supporting local hospitals amid an influx of injured civilians due to fighting. Key cities have seen violence and instability, prompting MSF to enhance health responses. Concerns about humanitarian needs and disease outbreaks, such as cholera, are growing as many people flee to safety.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, particularly in South Kivu. As violence escalates between M23/AFC and Congolese armed forces, the region has seen a spike in injuries, with over 315 patients treated in MSF-supported health facilities in just three weeks. Recently, M23 captured key locations including Numbi and Minova, contributing to increasing violence and instability in Bukavu, where widespread looting and shootings have occurred.
MSF has responded to the urgency of the situation by supporting four hospitals in Bukavu to accommodate injured civilians. This includes enhancing treatment capabilities for victims of violence and sexual assault. As of mid-February, hospitals received 48 patients with gunshot and shrapnel wounds, predominantly civilians, with children and women among the injured. MSF continues to assist other health centers in Minova where displaced populations are concentrated.
In Uvira, fighting has disrupted access to care for patients suffering from mpox, adding to the region’s health concerns. MSF is carefully monitoring the situation, particularly the influx of injured persons arriving at local hospitals. Additionally, as many flee to Burundi, MSF has mobilized teams to assess and respond to urgent needs, focusing on basic healthcare, water access, and epidemic prevention.
Concerns persist regarding the escalation of violence and its effect on healthcare access due to logistical constraints such as blocked transport routes. MSF calls for the protection of civilians and humanitarian efforts in conflict zones. The organization is particularly alarmed by the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, and is prepared to address urgent healthcare needs as they arise.
The situation in South Kivu remains critical, with the ongoing conflict severely impacting civilian health and safety. MSF is actively working to support hospitals amid rising injuries and aiming to address the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the influx of displaced people. Continuous efforts are needed to provide medical care and prevent disease outbreaks as violence continues in the region.
Original Source: www.msf.org
