DRC: Healthcare crisis as cholera, malnutrition rise
Many of the displaced in the eastern province of North Kivu urgently need healthcare amid an increase in the number of cholera, gunshot injury and malnutrition cases being reported, according to aid agencies.
Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) has treated 7,000 cases of cholera since January in the province. "There is a lack of access to latrines and clean drinking water," Romain Gitenet, field coordinator for MSF's project in Rutshuru territory, said on 20 November.
Constant population movement and crowded conditions in displacement camps have also contributed towards the spread of the disease.
Cholera cases are being reported in more locations than usual, said MSF. In Kibati, north of Goma, about eight to 10 cases of cholera were reported each day for the week ending 14 November. The number has since gone up to 16 cases daily.
Some of the displaced are also not able to access treatment. "If you don't do anything, 30 to 50 percent of those who have cholera die," Gitenet said. The few health facilities available are overcrowded.
According to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Goma, the main town, there is a continued risk of cholera spreading around the Rutshuru territory.
"Insecurity continues preventing the provision of clean water, latrines, and hygiene promotion to contain the spread; as people keep moving the disease will keep spreading," said UNICEF.
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