The DRC is witnessing a dramatic rise in preventable diseases, including cholera, Mpox, and measles, amidst escalating violence and funding cuts from USAID. Over 7.8 million internally displaced individuals face worsening conditions, with destroyed healthcare facilities and critical infrastructure. Urgent international intervention is necessary to address this humanitarian crisis and prevent further loss of life.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing a surge in preventable diseases, including cholera, Mpox, and measles, with significant increases reported in North Kivu. Oxfam’s partners noted a 326-case increase in cholera, a 269-case increase in Mpox, and a rise of 95 measles cases during the last week of February alone.
In January, the number of cholera infections surged to over 3,850, resulting in 67 fatalities, which is three times the death toll from the previous month, as calculated by Oxfam based on WHO data. Continuous violence and the suspension of USAID funding exacerbate the DRC’s fragile healthcare system, leaving millions vulnerable to diseases that could otherwise be prevented.
The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted efforts to control cholera and Mpox, with a stark absence of testing centers and adequate hospitals. The destruction of essential infrastructure, such as water and sanitation facilities in displacement camps, further deteriorates the situation.
“This is turning into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe. People are drinking water straight from contaminated rivers and springs because water tanks and sanitation facilities have been destroyed. When you combine this with a collapsed health system, cholera is spreading like wildfire,” stated Dr. Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam DRC Country Director.
Kamara Wabomundu, a staff member of the CCLK/Bulimba Health Zone Central Office, highlighted the drastic impact of funding cuts: “When our funding was cut, everything collapsed—we had no backup plan. Neither the hospitals nor the communities were prepared. We are asking people to pay for care when they can’t even afford their next meal.”
The suspension of USAID programs poses dire threats to approximately 7.8 million internally displaced persons already facing food, water, and shelter shortages. The municipalities of Kirotshe and Goma are particularly affected, with displaced families enduring overcrowded conditions and inadequate access to clean water, compounded by the destruction of over 70 health facilities in North Kivu.
“USAID was the leading donor in DRC, and most aid agencies relied on its funding to provide life-saving assistance. Every moment of inaction means more lives are being lost that could be saved,” Dr. Mangundu asserted, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The closure of banks and microfinance institutions further exacerbates the crisis, hindering emergency aid distribution. Additionally, the shutdown of Goma and Kavumu airports exacerbates food scarcity and inflation, rendering sustenance unaffordable for countless individuals.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing an escalating humanitarian crisis characterized by rampant preventable diseases and severe healthcare system breakdown. Funding suspensions, ongoing conflict, and the destruction of critical infrastructure are magnifying these challenges, leaving millions vulnerable and in dire need of assistance. Swift action from the international community is crucial to prevent further loss of life and to restore vital support to affected populations.
Original Source: www.oxfam.org.nz
