The Red Cross has warned that escalating conflict in Goma, DR Congo, poses a severe risk of Ebola and other pathogens escaping from a laboratory amid fighting. The situation has led to a significant increase in casualties, with over 600 civilians treated for severe injuries. The ongoing conflict has displaced many people, increasing the need for humanitarian assistance.
The Red Cross expressed grave concern on Tuesday regarding the escalating conflict in Goma, DR Congo, which poses a potential risk of dangerous pathogens, including Ebola, escaping from a laboratory situated in the area. Patrick Youssef, ICRC’s regional director for Africa, emphasized the urgency of safeguarding samples at the national biomedical research institute that are vulnerable to power outages due to ongoing fighting. He warned of catastrophic consequences should these viruses propagate widely.
The city of Goma has transformed into a battleground, impacted by the incursion of Tutsi-led M23 fighters and Rwandan forces. This situation has intensified since Sunday after weeks of military movement. Notably, Goma is a densely populated city of one million residents, with approximately 700,000 internally displaced persons already sheltered there due to protracted conflict in eastern DR Congo since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported a significant rise in casualties among civilians, stating that its supported medical facilities have received numerous individuals injured by gunfire and explosive devices. Myriam Favier from the ICRC in Goma indicated that the organization had treated over 600 wounded individuals since the beginning of the month, with nearly half being civilians, many of whom are women and children suffering severe injuries.
The ICRC has documented a worrying influx of patients admitted under dire circumstances, often transported by makeshift means, such as motorbikes or buses, frequently lacking adequate space in medical facilities. Francois Moreillon, head of the ICRC’s delegation in DR Congo, reported a troubling rise in calls from individuals who are injured and left vulnerable without support. He highlighted the gravity of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been afflicted by conflict, primarily in its eastern regions, exacerbated by historical tensions following the Rwandan genocide. Goma, a crucial urban center in this area, has been at the heart of violence involving armed groups that destabilize the region, resulting in significant civilian distress and displacement. The presence of a biomedical laboratory in Goma, housing pathogenic samples, raises serious public health concerns amid the ongoing strife.
The alarm raised by the Red Cross regarding the precarious situation in Goma highlights the dual crises of armed conflict and public health threats. The potential escape of pathogens from laboratories during intensified fighting could lead to catastrophic health outcomes for the population. As civilian casualties rise and conflict escalates, the humanitarian needs in the region are increasingly urgent, demanding immediate attention and action.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
