Amid a Lull in Hostilities in Democratic Republic of Congo, International Medical Corps Continues to Deliver Life-saving Medical Relief

Photo: International Medical Corps

Congolese military tank patrolling through region.

November 19, 2008 – Amid a lull in fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and ongoing ceasefire negotiations, International Medical Corps is scrambling to provide hundreds of thousands of civilians with medical and nutrition services, as well as prevent the spread of cholera.

An estimated 250,000 civilians have fled fighting between government and rebel troops in North Kivu Province – adding to the estimated one million people displaced by an escalation of hostilities in the region a year ago.

International Medical Corps teams have been delivering primary health care services, distributing therapeutic food, and working to prevent outbreaks of cholera; there have been more than 100 reported cases so far, and numerous deaths.

Photo: International Medical Corps

Congolese boy outside of International Medical Corps clinic.

In addition to its ongoing efforts in DRC, International Medical Corps is also mobilizing a regional response to the situation, with teams in Uganda and Burundi able to deliver assistance to the potential influx of new refugees. IMC remains deeply concerned that if hostilities do not cease, a humanitarian catastrophe could unfold and quickly spread across the region.

International Medical Corps has been operating in the most volatile regions of DRC since the mid-90’s. In North Kivu province, where much of the recent fighting has taken place, IMC runs primary health care clinics and nutrition programs that serve more than 300,000 people.