DR Congo Crisis: A Public Health ‘Nightmare’ is Unfolding, Warns WHO
2025-01-29
By [Your Name]
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo – A public health “nightmare” is unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a surge in violence and displacement has left millions of people without access to basic healthcare.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday warned that the situation in the country is “rapidly deteriorating.”
“The violence and displacement have disrupted health services, making it difficult for people to get the care they need,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “This is leading to a sharp increase in preventable diseases, such as measles and cholera.”
According to WHO, more than 1.5 million people have been displaced from their homes in the DRC since January 2025. The majority of these people are women and children.
“They are living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, which is increasing their risk of disease,” said Dr. Moeti. “We are also seeing a rise in malnutrition, as people are unable to access food and clean water.”
The crisis in the DRC is a result of a complex conflict that has been ongoing for decades. The conflict has been fueled by poverty, ethnic tensions, and the presence of armed groups.
“The government and international community need to work together to end the violence and displacement,” said Dr. Moeti. “We also need to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those who have been affected.”
WHO is working with partners to provide healthcare to people in the DRC. The organization is also providing training to health workers and supporting the establishment of mobile health clinics.
“We are doing everything we can to help the people of the DRC,” said Dr. Moeti. “But we need more support from the international community.”
Here are some of the key challenges facing the health system in the DRC:
- Shortage of healthcare workers
- Lack of access to essential medicines and supplies
- Limited infrastructure
- Insecurity
The following are some of the key priorities for WHO in the DRC:
- Providing healthcare to displaced people
- Preventing and treating preventable diseases
- Addressing malnutrition
- Strengthening the health system
The international community can provide support to the DRC by:
- Providing financial assistance
- Donating essential medicines and supplies
- Deploying health workers
- Advocating for an end to the violence and displacement
DR Congo crisis: A public health ‘nightmare’ is unfolding, warns WHO
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