from JEAN KASSONGO in Kinshasa, DRC
DRC Bureau
KINSHASA, (CAJ News) – STAFF of the Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) are trapped in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), amid escalating violence between the army and rebel groups.
The violence has severely impacted access to healthcare, as 80 percent of the population has fled the city hearing artillery fire and fearing hostilities.
Over 700 displaced people are sheltering at the general hospital of Walikale, putting additional pressure on already limited medical resources.
“Our teams on the ground have to put on hold their medical activities when fighting erupts and are unable to move safely. The safety of our staff and patients is our top priority,” said Natalia Torrent, Head of Programmes for MSF in North Kivu.
In the region, east of the vast country, heavy gunfire has been heard in the vicinity of MSF’s base, highlighting the extreme risks faced by both healthcare workers and the communities they serve.
Two weeks ago, a crossfire hit MSF’s logistical base, impacting structures and some of their vehicles.
Massive explosions took place near the town’s general hospital, where MSF supports the Ministry of Health in providing medical care.
“Within two weeks, our teams on the ground will start facing shortages of essential medicines, further complicating the ability of our teams to provide urgent medical assistance,” Torrent worried.
MSF has called on all warring parties in DRC to respect and protect civilians, medical facilities, and health workers as well as to facilitate the delivery of medical supplies to the conflict zones.
– CAJ News