Despite the tense security situation in north Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Merlin is responding to urgent health needs.

Supplying essential drugs in Kanyabayonga

In Kanyabayonga, where soldiers recently rampaged through the town, Merlin is supplying 19 of the 20 health clinics in the area with essential drugs. The majority of the patients coming to the clinics are suffering from malaria, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections.

We are also responding to a cholera outbreak in Vitshumbi, a town to the east of Kanyabayonga. Dr Diao Bah, Merlin’s medical co-ordinator for north Kivu said: “There is an increase in cholera cases due to the large numbers of displaced people. There were about 30 cases last week and we sent medical supplies, which include cholera treatment drugs, today.”

Health clinics reopening in Rutshuru

A Merlin assessment team travelled from Goma to Ruthsuru distributing drugs to health centres along the way. On arrival in Rutshuru, the team found that all but one of the health clinics in the town are now open and have been re-supplied with drugs. Most of the drugs have been supplied by Merlin.

Luca Marten-Perolino, a Project Coordinator for Merlin, explained: “We had to pass through the front line twice to get to the health centres of Rutshuru town, but now most of the health facilities are open and functioning and access to health care has increased for the population in and around the town.”

In Kiwanja, a large number of people have gathered next to the UN base, putting strain on the nearby Buturande health clinic. Merlin has supplied five nurses to respond to the people’s urgent health needs.

Merlin has also given soap, plastic sheets for shelter and cooking utensils to the displaced people, many of whom arrived with nothing but the clothes on their back.

Responding to cholera outbreak in Goma

Merlin is building a Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) which will be operational in the next few days. We have trained 20 nurses who will be working in the unit on how to give effective cholera treatment. And so far, we have treated 29 cases of cholera in Goma town.

In addition, Merlin has set up a temporary health post which is now providing medical aid to around 60 displaced people every day. And we are supporting the Ministry of Health by taking charge of seven health facilities, including Virunga Hospital, for the next few months.

In another ongoing conflict in the north of Eastern Congo, several thousands of displaced people arrived in the town of Oicha. Merlin has sent medical supplies to two health facilities in the area and is preparing an assessment to review the situation there.

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