Violence in DR Congo Hinders Medical Aid Work
Escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo is forcing an increasing number of people to flee. Malteser International reports that medical work is becoming more difficult.
New outbreaks of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) are forcing an ever-increasing number of people to flee their homes. In the Ituri province alone, over 200,000 people have left their homes in recent weeks due to escalating fighting, according to Malteser International.
United Nations figures indicate that approximately 700 people have been killed and homes burned since the violent conflicts began. A health facility supported by Malteser International was also destroyed and looted in the region. Roland Hansen, head of Malteser International's Africa department, expressed concern for the safety of aid workers.
"The escalation of violence is making the work for staff at the health facilities increasingly difficult, and we fear for their safety," Hansen stated. "At the same time, medical personnel report that more and more people are arriving with severe injuries, such as machete wounds."
Hansen emphasized that the crisis in DR Congo is a "forgotten crisis" on the global stage. He urged the international community not to ignore the conflict, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Malteser International has been providing humanitarian aid in DR Congo since 1996, supporting 250 health facilities and 14 hospitals.