Preventable Diseases Surge Amid Healthcare Collapse in the DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a health crisis with increasing cases of cholera, Mpox, and measles, exacerbated by ongoing violence and USAID funding cuts. In January, cholera cases doubled, leading to significant fatalities. The fragile healthcare system is collapsing, and urgent international support is needed to address the humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a severe health crisis with a surge in preventable diseases, as reported by Oxfam. Notably, cholera cases rose by 326, Mpox by 269, and measles by 95 in North Kivu within just one week at the end of February. The situation has intensified, with cholera infections more than doubling in January, leading to 3,850 cases and 67 fatalities—an alarming increase compared to the previous month.
Factors such as ongoing violence and a suspension of funding from USAID are exacerbating the existing collapse of DRC’s fragile healthcare system. Millions are left vulnerable to diseases like cholera due to a lack of essential healthcare services, including inadequate testing centers and the destruction of vital infrastructure. The ongoing conflict has further hindered efforts to control outbreaks of cholera and Mpox, worsening the public health landscape.
Dr. Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam’s DRC Country Director, characterized the situation as a burgeoning humanitarian disaster. He pointed out that people are resorting to drinking from contaminated water sources due to the devastation of water supply and sanitation facilities. “When you combine this with a collapsed health system, cholera is spreading like wildfire,” he stated, emphasizing the gravity of the crisis.
The suspension of USAID-funded aid programs has had catastrophic implications for roughly 7.8 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in DRC, exacerbating their struggles for access to food, clean water, and shelter. Over 70 health facilities in North Kivu alone have been destroyed, severely limiting healthcare in the region, especially in the most affected areas such as Kirotshe and Goma.
Kamara Wabomundu, a health staff member at CCLK/Bulimba, explained the dire impact of the funding cuts: “Our hospital was 100 percent dependent on humanitarian support. When our funding was cut, everything collapsed.” This highlights the urgent need for continuous international support to address the health crisis that has escalated in the DRC.
Additionally, the closure of banks and microfinance institutions has hindered emergency aid distribution, while the shutdown of Goma and Kavumu airports has resulted in soaring food prices, making basic necessities unaffordable for many.
Given the alarming rise in cholera cases and broader health implications, immediate action is essential to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in the DRC. The international community must recognize the urgent need for assistance to prevent further loss of life and ensure that vulnerable populations receive adequate support before conditions deteriorate even further.
In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo is in the midst of a significant health crisis exacerbated by conflict and funding cuts, particularly from USAID. Preventable diseases are spreading rapidly due to the collapse of healthcare infrastructure and lack of clean water. Urgent intervention is required from the international community to support the vulnerable population and address the dire humanitarian needs. The situation is critical, and action must be taken to prevent further deterioration of public health and safety.
Original Source: www.oxfam.org.nz
