DR Congo: MSF launches massive malaria response across three provinces
Mar 27, 2012
Several regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are facing a serious outbreak of malaria. MSF teams are working in three provinces, supporting the Congolese Ministry of Health. So far, MSF has treated more than 17,000 people in Maniema, Equateur and Orientale Provinces.
In DRC, malaria is the leading cause of death. Every year the mosquito-borne disease kills 180,000 children under five.
The precise cause of the current outbreak is still uncertain. The healthcare system in DRC is unable to mount an adequate response to the crisis, due to a lack of resources, infrastructure and properly trained medical personnel.
Logistical challenge
Delivering emergency medical aid in remote areas is both a human and logistical challenge.
"The villages in which we work are mostly inaccessible by road. Our teams and our medical supplies are sent by motorcycle, canoe or on foot," explained Carole COEUR, MSF project coordinator.
Treatment and prevention
MSF is responding to the malaria outbreak by treating severe cases in referral hospitals, and uncomplicated cases in health centres or mobile clinics. MSF is also conducting prevention and awareness activities.
"To contain the disease, a purely preventative approach such as mosquito net distribution is not enough. We must also treat as many people as possible," said Dr. Jorgen STASSIJN, a malaria specialist and member of the MSF team currently working in Equateur Province.
In DRC, malaria is the leading cause of death. Every year the mosquito-borne disease kills 180,000 children under five.
The precise cause of the current outbreak is still uncertain. The healthcare system in DRC is unable to mount an adequate response to the crisis, due to a lack of resources, infrastructure and properly trained medical personnel.
Logistical challenge
Delivering emergency medical aid in remote areas is both a human and logistical challenge.
"The villages in which we work are mostly inaccessible by road. Our teams and our medical supplies are sent by motorcycle, canoe or on foot," explained Carole COEUR, MSF project coordinator.
Treatment and prevention
MSF is responding to the malaria outbreak by treating severe cases in referral hospitals, and uncomplicated cases in health centres or mobile clinics. MSF is also conducting prevention and awareness activities.
"To contain the disease, a purely preventative approach such as mosquito net distribution is not enough. We must also treat as many people as possible," said Dr. Jorgen STASSIJN, a malaria specialist and member of the MSF team currently working in Equateur Province.
Leave a Comment