Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) launched a two-month emergency intervention in Katana and Kalehe in May after prolonged conflict had brought the health system to the brink of collapse. Free, life-saving care was provided to more than 2,480 people and the donation of significant quantities of medical supplies meant that health facilities in these areas of South Kivu were able to meet the needs of the population.
A March assessment by MSF revealed the scale of the crisis following violent clashes in the region at the start of the year: of 24 health facilities in Katana and Kalehe, fifteen had to close, ten were damaged and sixteen looted. In response, MSF supported the General Reference Hospitals of Katana and Kalehe, as well as the health centres of Katana Nuru, Mabingu, Lushebere, Kalehe, and Luzira.
MSF’s intervention focused on paediatric care for children under-five, malnutrition, complex gynaeco-obstetric care and support for victims of violence. Economic hardship and insecurity prior to MSF’s arrival had meant that many patients faced significant barriers to care.
Clashes between armed groups in the region have led to rising levels of hunger, with many families forced to flee their lands and food prices rising.
“Many families have lost their livelihoods and can’t afford enough to eat,” said Emmanuel Njikam, MSF’s deputy project coordinator. “By providing therapeutic foods like Plumpy’Nut, MSF has saved lives and helped children recover from malnutrition.”
Before ending its emergency intervention, MSF donated a stock of medical supplies to support hospitals and health centers in the area for an additional month.
While MSF’s intervention has allowed health systems in the area to recover, the closure of airports in Bukavu and Goma continue to limit humanitarian access.
About Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
Médecins Sans Frontières is an independent international medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance to people affected by armed conflicts, epidemics, natural disasters, or exclusion from healthcare, while respecting the principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence.
