The conflict in the province of North Kivu, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. They are now living with host families or in camps for displaced people. Both the displaced and local residents lack the basics of life, such as hygienic conditions, clean water, food, and healthcare.

Photo: Pascale Zintzen/MSF | DRC, North Kivu : Joséphine, internally displaced person who fled Kitchanga village with her seven children in October 2007. Since then she has lived in the Masisi camp.

As a result, outbreaks are developing. Since late 2007, cholera outbreaks have affected hundreds of people in Rutshuru, Mweso and Masisi.

Another deadly disease is hitting young children: measles. Since the beginning of the year, MSF teams in Masisi and Rutshuru districts have treated over 1,000 children suffering from the disease.

In order to limit the effects of measles outbreaks and protect as many children as possible, MSF teams also vaccinate children aged 6 months to 15 years in remote places of the "Petit Nord" region, in the south of North Kivu province. In total, 120,000 children have been vaccinated since the beginning of 2008. Thousands more will be vaccinated in the next few weeks.

In the area of Masisi town, about 80 km northwest of Goma, MSF vaccinated 33,000 children against measles in March. Another mass vaccination campaign will start soon, targeting about 45,000 children in the area of Masisi town.

Photo: Pascale Zintzen/MSF | DRC, North Kivu : The camp for the displaced in Masisi, where 2300 people are currently living.

In addition, MSF has vaccinated over 50,000 children in the area of Kitchanga, also located in Masisi district.

In Rutshuru district, north of Goma, MSF vaccinated about 37,000 children in and around Nyanzale, Tongo, and Bambu. Following recent fighting, a lot of displaced people have gathered in the areas of Nyanzale and Kabizo. In February, a measles outbreak resumed. Between March and May, MSF vaccinated 25,100 children in Nyanzale, 7,900 in Tongo, and 3,700 children in and around Bambu.

In the neighbouring area of Kabizo, MSF opened a program in May to provide health care and continue vaccinating in Katsiro, Kasoko and other villages in the area, assisting both the resident and displaced populations.

Related News:

 Fact Sheet: MSF activities in North Kivu, DRC - 06.10.2008 15:58

 War resumes in North Kivu, DRC - 06.10.2008 12:10

 Violence intensifies in North Kivu, DRC - 23.09.2008 14:09

 Measles epidemic abates in Nigeria following vaccination campaign - 03.07.2008 16:20