The battles between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army in the mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have forced thousands of people to flee. Almost every day we receive reports of massive violations of human rights, sexualised violence, recruitment of children, forced recruitment, and shootings. Hospitals are already full of people with gunshot wounds.
Hardly any medication left
“The situation is very serious. We have run out of medication, we are also running out of bandages and there are no supplies in sight. Sometimes there are serious infections and many people are fighting for their survival”, reports a doctor and DIFÄM partner from Goma. In addition, regular medical care for the sick, such as the treatment of infectious diseases or the care of pregnant women, can no longer be guaranteed. Many medical professionals have fled and the remaining staff are working under extreme pressure. ‘Some work three to four days in a row. They are overtired and traumatised,' the doctor explains. On top of that, there is the constant fear of attacks.
Even before the recent escalation of violence, over a hundred thousand displaced people were housed in the refugee camps in and around the city of Goma in inhumane conditions. Together with local partners, DIFÄM provided medical care and nutritional aid. But now even these places of refuge have been destroyed. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic.
First aid deliveries of medicines
The staff of our partner organisations are facing an impossible task: they are caring for countless people but have hardly any medicines or materials left. The sick and injured cannot pay for their treatment, so many doctors, nurses and midwives are already working for free - without quick help, medical collapse is imminent!
We at DIFÄM are still standing by our partners. Together and with the financial support of Bread for the World, we have already organised the first shipments of painkillers, antibiotics and bandages. ‘The procurement and transport routes are complicated,’ explains Christine Häfele-Abah, Difäm pharmacist and Head of Pharmaceutical Projects and Procurement. ‘Nevertheless, the first aid transport is already on its way to our partner hospitals in Goma and Bukavu.’
DIFÄM has been active in eastern Congo for many years and is working with local partners to sustainably improve and strengthen healthcare provision, while many other aid organisations have stopped their activities in the region. Even now, despite the dangerous conditions, our partners continue to support people in need.
