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DRC: MSF continues working in Kivu region

31 October 2008

MSF is continuing to work in Goma and in other towns and villages in North Kivu. The organisation is extremely concerned about the tens of thousands of people currently on the move, fleeing the fighting.

In Goma, MSF has reduced its teams to essential staff only. Today, staff evaluated the hospital in Goma. They donated medical supplies, and a six-person medical team is assisting in treating the wounded.

Another MSF team discovered that large numbers of displaced people have come south from Kibati and are now in the northern part of Goma.

MSF is working in Mugunga camp, the large camp for displaced people outside Goma, on the road to Saké. As of last night there were 31 confirmed cases of cholera in the MSF cholera treatment centre. Thirteen of these patients were forced to flee last night because of fighting and only two returned today. There is no supply of clean water in the camp, increasing the risk of a serious cholera outbreak.

Rutshuru was calm this morning and the MSF surgical team there is continuing to treat wounded people at the hospital. Teams are also continuing their work at the hospitals in Kitchanga and Mweso, and are operating mobile clinics in the area.

MSF is sending more international staff from Europe and Kinshasa to reinforce its teams in North Kivu.