Cholera rising among displaced people in precarious conditions – MSF

In the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Nyiragongo region, the count of individuals believed to be affected by cholera has significantly surged in merely the last 10 days, as reported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Among the 472 individuals receiving treatment from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams between November 26 and December 11 at the cholera care facility in Munigi, a locale not far from Goma, were 143 minors under the age of five.

Since late October, tens of thousands fleeing confrontations with the M23 group have joined those already dwelling in camps for displaced persons in Nyiragongo region, a short distance north of Goma, the capital of North Kivu.

Alongside the host populations, over 177,000 individuals are presently caught in dire situations, exposed to harsh weather and outbreaks, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis there.

“The absence of food, shelter, toilets, and bathing facilities creates a perfect recipe for a health catastrophe,” states Simplice Ngar-One, MSF project coordinator. “The rise in cholera cases recently is yet another sign of the worsening circumstances and the clear deficiency in humanitarian support.”

Conditions favorable to cholera

“I escaped my village with my six kids and my husband a month ago, and since then we have received virtually no aid,” says Nyira Safari, who is seated with her daughter Zawadi in the MSF-supported Kanyaruchinya health center.

“We lack both showers and toilets. To provide for my family, I search the fields for potatoes, despite the dangers,” Nyira explains. “For the past two days, Zawadi has endured diarrhea and vomiting. She was extremely weak and struggled to stand. That’s why I came here.”

Eight-year-old Zawadi is among the patients with suspected cholera visiting MSF’s supported centers in Munigi and Kanyaruchinya, two areas where many displaced individuals have found refuge.

“What we dreaded is occurring: the increase in people with suspected cholera cases is due to the miserable living conditions, including closer contact with others in informal gatherings,” remarks Dr. Alain Bishikwabo Irenge, medical officer responsible for the cholera treatment facility in Munigi.

“We have established two extra tents to accommodate the rising number of patients, increasing our capacity to 100 beds,” Dr. Bishikwabo Irenge continues. “We shall also enhance community activities to promote awareness and ensure early detection, as too many patients arrive already in a severe state of dehydration.”

Tangible effects of the insufficient aid

A cholera immunization drive for roughly 6,000 individuals commenced in September following the initial confirmed cases of the disease in August in Kanyaruchinya. Teams executed a new vaccination initiative for 3,600 individuals in early November as additional cholera cases were identified in an attempt to halt the disease’s spread.

“Since July, we have been alerting about the health risks, including epidemics, for displaced populations in Nyiragongo region,” notes Ngar-One. “Recent large-scale displacements since late October have aggravated an already extremely fragile situation.”

“Massive displacements of individuals since the end of October have worsened an already highly vulnerable situation… Despite our continuous appeals, the current humanitarian response is far from sufficient.

“Months after people settle in sites for the displaced, they are still missing the most basic necessities. Some individuals are sleeping on the ground, under mosquito nets, along the roadway. Sanitation facilities, such as toilets and showers, are inadequate.

“At the Kanyaruchinya health center, we are witnessing dozens of patients arriving daily with diarrhea, respiratory ailments, and skin infections,” observes Ngar-One. “Together with teams from the Ministry of Health, we are addressing the visible impacts of the lack of humanitarian aid.

“Despite our persistent requests, the current humanitarian response is drastically insufficient,” states Ngar-One. “This is simply incomprehensible, as these individuals are located just a few kilometers from Goma, which is home to numerous humanitarian organizations.”

“Since the outset of November, teams have been providing an average of 250 free consultations daily at the Kanyaruchinya health center. A new health post will soon be established at the unofficial Munigi site known as Bassin du Congo.

“Additionally, we have set up hand-washing stations, are continuing to supply water at six locations in Kanyaruchinya and Munigi, and are engaging in various awareness-raising activities. SIMPLICE NGAR-ONE, MSF PROJECT COORDINATOR IN DRC