The city of Goma, situated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is currently confronting a severe humanitarian crisis. The city's hospitals are inundated with casualties, as conflict between government forces and rebels supported by neighboring Rwanda continues to escalate. This conflict has plunged the region into one of the world's largest humanitarian emergencies.
Among the severely affected medical centers is Bethesda Hospital, which, despite its maximum capacity of 250 beds, receives over 100 new patients daily. The patients suffer from injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to shrapnel cuts. The overwhelming number of casualties far exceeds what the hospital can manage, forcing many to share beds or lie on the floors awaiting help.
Florence Douet, an operating room nurse at Bethesda, expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions. They will get infected before we can treat them all, she noted. This dire situation is echoed across Goma, where inadequate resources and personnel exacerbate the healthcare crisis.
The M23 rebel group, bolstered by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops as per U.N. experts, has been at the forefront of this conflict. The rebels aim to march onwards to Congo's capital, Kinshasa, challenging the incumbent government under President Félix Tshisekedi. Their motivation partly stems from ethnic tensions, as they claim to defend the Tutsi community in Congo.
The legacy of the 1994 Rwandan genocide looms large, feeding into the current tensions. While Rwanda alleges that Tutsis in Congo face persecution, remnants of the Hutu militias, responsible for the genocide, have found refuge in Congo, further complicating the conflict landscape. The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), consisting of some of these Hutu elements, are alleged by Rwanda to be part of the Congolese military, a claim the military denies.
Dr. Johnny Kasangati, a surgeon at Kyeshero Hospital in Goma, described the sheer volume of patients with bullet wounds. We removed 48 bullets yesterday, he recounted, underscoring the persistent strain on healthcare services. Beyond patient overload, the disruption of supply chains has left medical facilities struggling with essential shortages.
The region's infrastructure is severely compromised. Road blockades and suspended transport services across Lake Kivu have isolated Goma further. The international airport, now under rebel control, was once a crucial entry point for medical supplies, aggravating the logistics nightmares faced by aid groups.
Doctors Without Borders, along with other humanitarian outfits, are operating under severely constrained circumstances. Supplies have been looted, and existing stockpiles are dwindling fast. Virginie Napolitano, the organization's emergency coordinator in Goma, described the city's isolation as a total blackout.
In addition to medical challenges, there is an urgent need to manage the increasing fatalities. At the Maternité de la Charité Hospital, space is lacking. Jules Kafitiye, the medical director, highlighted the pressing need to prevent disease spread from decomposing bodies. Bodies have had to be transferred to other facilities to stave off potential health hazards.
This influx of deaths and injuries has heightened concerns about disease outbreaks. The region already grapples with existing challenges such as mpox, cholera, and endemic diseases proliferating in displacement camps. The World Health Organization warned of the high risk posed by these conditions.
The international community is observing the unfolding crisis with keen interest, yet the solution remains elusive. As Goma stands on the brink of a healthcare breakdown, immediate global assistance is imperative to avert a larger catastrophe.
