Vital medical work continues in Pinga, DRC despite insecurity challenges

 

Ten days after fighting took a heavy toll in town of Pinga, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, the situation remains tense and unpredictable. Some population continue to flee the place as rumours of potential fighting continues to be spread among the population. Only half of the population remained in town.

 

Last week’s fighting forced thousands of people to flee into the forests. Eleven Congolese MSF staff had been missing since the violence began on April 28, but as of 8 May, all are accounted for. “Two staff walked for about 160 kilometers in the past couple of days and reached Goma few days ago”, said Hugues ROBERT, MSF’s head of mission. Provision of medical services remains challenging and difficult, as many health workers fled or are exhausted and overstretched.  

 

MSF is the only medical aid group supporting the DRC’s Ministry of Health in Pinga and surrounding areas. Located in the Walikale territory, the organization supports the main hospital in town, reaching out to a population of more than 60,000 people. Prior the fighting, MSF provided primary health care in three health centers (Kasseke, Mpety and Nkassa), and also through mobile clinics. Unfortunately,medical activities in Mpety and Kasseke have been suspended since the security situation remains fragile and uncertain.