DR Congo Displacement, Health Crisis Worsens amid Dwindling Aid Access
Published: 2025-02-14 12:00
KINSHASA, Congo (IPS) – The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worsening as displacement and health conditions deteriorate, while aid agencies struggle to reach those in need due to dwindling access.
Escalating Displacement
Ongoing armed conflict and inter-communal violence have forced an estimated 5.5 million people to flee their homes within the DRC, the highest number in Africa. Displacement camps are overcrowded and unsanitary, often lacking basic services like food, water, and healthcare.
“I have been living in this camp for over a year now,” said Marie, a displaced mother of three. “The conditions are horrible. We don’t have enough food or water, and there is only one doctor for thousands of people.”
Deteriorating Health Conditions
The displacement crisis has also exacerbated health conditions in the DRC. Malnutrition, communicable diseases, and mental health issues are rampant. In some areas, health facilities have been destroyed or looted, leaving people without access to essential services.
“The health situation is dire,” said Dr. Pierre Celestin Kayembe, a physician working in a displacement camp. “We are seeing high rates of preventable diseases such as measles and cholera, as well as increasing cases of sexual violence.”
Dwindling Aid Access
The humanitarian response in the DRC is facing significant challenges due to dwindling aid access. Armed groups, bureaucratic hurdles, and poor infrastructure make it difficult for aid agencies to reach those in need.
“We are struggling to reach the most vulnerable people,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). “Armed groups are blocking access to some areas, while bureaucratic delays and poor roads make it difficult to deliver aid in a timely manner.”
Urgent Appeal for Support
Aid agencies are appealing for urgent international support to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the DRC. They are calling for increased funding, improved access to affected areas, and political solutions to end the ongoing conflict.
“The humanitarian situation in the DRC is a silent crisis,” said a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). “We need urgent action to prevent further suffering and to ensure that all those in need receive the assistance they require.”
DR Congo displacement, health crisis worsens amid dwindling aid access
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