In the bustling city of Goma, located in eastern Congo, hospitals are under severe strain as they struggle to accommodate the influx of individuals injured in the ongoing conflict. This crisis is a result of intense clashes between government forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who recently claimed control over this city, which houses around 2 million residents.
Florence Douet, a dedicated nurse at Bethesda Hospital, remarked on the overwhelming situation, stating, 'They will get infected before we can treat them all.' The assault led by the M23 rebels on January 26th has notably resulted in over 700 fatalities and left nearly 3,000 people wounded. Bethesda Hospital, grappling with its limited capacity of 250 beds, manages over 100 new patients daily, showcasing the desperate situation faced by the health sector in Goma.
As one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, the conflict in Congo has displaced close to 6.5 million people. Consequently, hospitals like Bethesda have become overcrowded, with patients sharing beds or waiting on the floor, enduring severe pain. A vivid example comes from Patrick Bagamuhunda, a casualty of the ongoing strife, who shared, 'This war has caused a lot of damage, but at least we are still breathing.'
The M23 rebels, known for their significant backing by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, pose a formidable threat. Their current ambition stretches beyond Goma, aiming towards Congo's capital, Kinshasa, situated 1,000 miles away. This escalation draws parallels to the group's actions in 2012; however, their strategy now bears the hallmark of an attempt to highlight perceived government failures under President Félix Tshisekedi.
Ethnic tensions fuel this conflict, with M23 asserting a defense of ethnic Tutsis against persecution by Hutus and former militias. The aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which saw countless Hutus flee to Congo, adds layers to the already complex conflict.
The medical community at Kyeshero Hospital echoes this crisis narrative. Reports reveal that they removed 48 bullets in a single day, managing twice their intended capacity. Dr. Johnny Kasangati, addressing his team's challenges, shared the dire scenario at a temporary setup outside the hospital.
Previously, hospitals could evacuate patients via Lake Kivu to Bukavu in South Kivu, but this option is off the table due to conflict-caused disruptions. The suspension of supply routes has led to severe shortages, further exacerbated by the loss of control over Goma's international airport, a crucial logistics hub.
Virginie Napolitano from Doctors Without Borders highlighted, 'Goma was cut off from the world. It was a total blackout,' reflecting the humanitarian and logistical nightmares. Lootings have depleted emergency stockpiles, pushing facilities to the brink. The government acknowledged 773 deaths and 2,880 injuries as the official count, with fears of unaccounted mass graves escalating these figures.
Maternité de la Charité Hospital exemplifies the overcrowding, having to transfer bodies to a larger morgue to prevent disease spread, stressing the region’s vulnerability to health crises like mpox and cholera. The World Health Organization also signaled the potential for cholera and measles outbreaks, which ravaged communities with 22,000 and 12,000 cases respectively last year.
With ongoing violence and healthcare challenges, eastern Congo faces a daunting task of managing both immediate conflict-induced traumas and preventing a full-blown health crisis. The global community's attention and resources are critical in addressing this dire humanitarian situation.
