DRC: On both sides of the frontline

> Condition: Critical - Voices from the war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Philippe HAVET, emergency coordinator

"We're here in Karuba since this morning. It is the first day we're here with a mobile clinic to help the local people.

They really didn't know we were coming. It was only this weekend that we decided we would come to work in this town. We just spread the word and already, seeing the MSF flag, people are starting to come for consultations.

The team is a little overwhelmed. For a first day, it's a big surprise.

The needs are immense. No one else has worked in this zone for months. We're the only ones working here now."

Laurence Luyckfassel, nurse

"With the adults, my first impression is that they come for vague pains, which are probably related to stress, because of what they are experiencing: the insecurity, the instability that they are living with on a daily basis.

People just found out that Médecins Sans Frontières is here today and that our medical care is free. Because of this there is a real influx today."

Philippe Havet, emergency coordinator

"On this side [of the frontline], we work with three mobile clinics. And on the other side we support a hospital and work in a camp for displaced people.

There is a frontline. On each side, two different armed groups. And we absolutely want to work on both sides, to guarantee our neutrality.

Our role is really to go where others don't go. And to help these populations who suffer from this war."