Since April 2018, the Dine has been gripped by armed conflict, as various fractions fight for power and control over raw materials. This has created a serious humanitarian crisis in one of DR Congo’s least accessible areas, forcing many people to abandon their homes and livelihoods. More than 80% of the region’s inhabitants are farmers. But because of the conflict, many have been forced to desert their fields and leave their harvests to rot.
As a result, large numbers of displaced people now have limited access to even the most basic health and sanitation services. When people flee violence, they often have little choice but to live in terrible conditions, where hygiene supplies are sparse and equipment like mosquito nets non-existent. This leads to an increased risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Meanwhile, hospitals and other health-care facilities lack medical supplies to treat most illnesses. On top of these challenges, a rubella epidemic has broken out in the area.
People in Need’s project focused on improving basic living conditions for those affected by conflict. The project ensured essential health care for the most vulnerable populations, including children and people on the run. MLFO’s immediate assistance enabled 13,000 people to access free and quality health care. More than 800 children were treated for acute malnutrition in MLFO-supported health-care centers. In cooperation with local organizations, two hundred female victims of sexual violence were provided with psychological support and adequate health care.
