Responding to a severe health crisis amidst massive displacement in South Kivu, DRC

Escalating violence fuels massive displacement

Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23, along with their respective allies in the Fizi Highlands, are exacerbating long-standing intercommunal tensions. This surge in violence has triggered substantial new population movements. The number of displaced individuals across the region has now reached nearly five million, with 1.9 million of these concentrated in South Kivu and Maniema, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Due to a severe lack of adequate reception facilities, almost all displaced persons have sought refuge with host families or in makeshift camps for displaced persons, such as the Monge Monge camp. Access to clean water, sufficient food, and basic healthcare remains a formidable challenge for both local residents and those who have been displaced.

Distance and cost create barriers to healthcare access

With ongoing conflicts plaguing the region, many displaced families have tragically lost their means of income. In response to this dire situation, MSF is adapting its efforts and reinforcing the healthcare services it offers to communities impacted by the violence.

Ikupe Roger, a 60-year-old man, fled his village a year and a half ago to escape the hostilities. “When the fighting erupted, I left with my wife and our eight children to save our lives,” he shared. “My main concern today is simply to be able to remain in Baraka, despite the climate of violence and insecurity. Before MSF arrived, there was almost no access to medical care. Paying over 100,000 Congolese francs for treatment is simply out of reach.” To provide for his children, he relies on farming, fishing, and a small poultry farm. Despite his constant efforts, living conditions remain extremely precarious.

“Stripped of resources, many no longer have the means to pay for transport or access basic health services,” explained Gianpietro Campedelli, MSF’s project coordinator in Baraka. As a result, numerous patients arrive at health facilities in a critical state, often too late to benefit from life-saving treatment.

Civilians fleeing violence become targets

Beyond injuries directly sustained in combat, many individuals also suffer from trauma and physical harm inflicted during assaults experienced along their escape routes, particularly when traversing highly unstable zones.

Fatou, a 40-year-old woman, is currently residing with a host family in Mwandiga. She urgently fled her village of Makobola. “During our flight, I was beaten by armed men. We were also stripped of everything we possessed. When we left, the village was deserted, and everything we had left behind was plundered,” she recounted.

MSF bolsters health system against epidemics and influx of wounded

In Baraka, health facilities are simultaneously grappling with the arrival of conflict-related casualties, recurring cholera epidemics, and a significant rise in malaria cases. Overwhelmed by this confluence of emergencies, healthcare structures are struggling to cope.

In response to these critical needs, between January and April 2026, MSF has:

• Provided support to the Baraka General Referral Hospital through medical and logistical supplies, as well as training sessions for healthcare personnel, to enhance its capacity to manage the influx of injured patients;
• Covered the treatment costs for patients transferred due to severe conditions, including severe forms of malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases;
• Supported seven community health sites for the rapid detection of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea cases.

In total, 26,234 patients received care, including 426 war-wounded, 16,574 for malaria, 2,953 for diarrheal diseases, and 3,832 for pneumonia.

Our teams have also been instrumental in the response to epidemics:

• 1,002 patients have been treated at the Baraka Cholera Treatment Center (CTC), supported by MSF, since January;
• Distribution of hygiene kits;
• Installation of chlorination points and repair of manual water pumps in Baraka, Mwangaza, and Mushimbakye;
• Distribution of 488 essential product kits (soap, blankets, plates, and mosquito nets) in the Monge Monge camp, along with feminine hygiene kits to 870 women within the same camp.

Expanded mobilization of other actors is essential

Currently, our teams are concentrating their efforts on reproductive health services and care for survivors of sexual violence at the Baraka health center, while simultaneously continuing their water, hygiene, and sanitation initiatives within the Monge Monge displaced persons camp.

Nevertheless, the situation remains deeply concerning. Despite the ongoing interventions, needs significantly outstrip the available response. “MSF’s presence, while absolutely vital, is insufficient to address the entirety of the needs. A broader mobilization of other humanitarian actors is more than necessary to assist populations who remain highly vulnerable to health and social hardships,” concluded Gianpietro Campedelli.