In 2018, armed conflicts in the Fizi and Makobola Territory of eastern DR Congo created a security crisis that forced many people from their homes. As a result, tens of thousands of people are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
But forced relocations have also taken a toll on host communities. For instance, local markets were not prepared for the sudden influx of displaced people, which has led to severe food shortages in the region. Up to 20 % of displaced children suffer from malnutrition and, as a result, are more susceptible to diseases like malaria, typhoid, anemia or respiratory tract infections.
Moreover, the region suffers from a weak health-care system. Health-care facilities struggle with shortages of medicine and supplies, while sick people, and particularly those whose lives have been uprooted by the fighting, have limited access to affordable health care.
This project is in response to the nutritional and health crises caused by conflict in South Kivu. The goal is to reduce mortality and morbidity in this region, and treat malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups – like young children and women. Through this project, people will gain better access to free and quality health care. And together with our partner organization, the health-care centers will be better supplied and trained.
Finally, the program’s information campaign in teaching people how to identify and treat diseases and malnutrition.
