Sud-Kivu’s deepening humanitarian crisis: MSF intensifies response for displaced populations

Escalating violence fuels massive population displacement

Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23, along with their respective allies in the Fizi Highlands, continue to exacerbate long-standing intercommunal tensions. This surge in violence has triggered new waves of mass displacement. The total number of displaced individuals in the broader region has now reached nearly five million, with 1.9 million specifically in Sud-Kivu and Maniema, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Lacking adequate reception facilities, almost all displaced people have sought refuge either with host families or in camps for displaced persons, such as Monge Monge. Access to vital resources like water, food, and basic healthcare remains a significant challenge for both local communities and those who have been displaced.

Distance and cost create barriers to healthcare access

With persistent conflicts plaguing the region, numerous displaced families have lost their primary sources of income. In response to this dire situation, MSF is adapting its operations and enhancing the medical care it offers to communities impacted by the violence.

Ikupe Roger, a 60-year-old man, describes fleeing his village a year and a half ago to escape the hostilities. “When the fighting erupted, I left with my wife and our eight children to save our lives,” he shared. “My main concern today is to be able to remain in Baraka, despite the violent and insecure environment. Before MSF arrived, there was almost no access to medical care. Paying over 100,000 Congolese francs for treatment is simply impossible for us.” To provide for his children, he relies on agriculture, fishing, and raising a small number of poultry. Despite these constant efforts, living conditions remain extremely precarious.

“Deprived of resources, many can no longer afford transportation or access basic health services,” explained Gianpietro Campedelli, MSF’s project coordinator in Baraka. As a result, many patients arrive at health facilities in a critical state, often too late to receive life-saving treatment.

Civilians fleeing violence become targets

Beyond injuries directly sustained in clashes, many individuals also suffer from trauma and physical harm resulting from assaults endured during their journeys, particularly when navigating highly unstable areas.

Fatou, a 40-year-old woman, is currently living with a host family in Mwandiga. She was forced to flee her village of Makobola in haste. “During our escape, I was beaten by armed men. We were also stripped of everything we owned. When we left, the village was deserted, and everything we left behind had been looted,” she recounted.

MSF bolsters the health system amidst epidemics and influx of injured

In Baraka, local health facilities are simultaneously grappling with an influx of conflict-related injuries, recurrent cholera outbreaks, and a significant rise in malaria cases. Overwhelmed by this accumulation of emergencies, healthcare structures struggle to cope.

In response to these critical needs, between January and April 2026, MSF has:

• Provided support to the Baraka General Referral Hospital through medical and logistical supplies, as well as training sessions for healthcare personnel, to better manage the influx of injured patients;
• Covered the treatment costs for patients transferred with severe conditions, including severe forms of malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases;
• Supported seven community healthcare sites for the rapid detection of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea cases.

In total, 26,234 patients received treatment, including 426 war-wounded, 16,574 for malaria, 2,953 for diarrheal diseases, and 3,832 for pneumonia.

Our teams have also played a crucial role in the epidemic response:

• 1,002 patients have been treated at the Baraka Cholera Treatment Center (CTC), supported by MSF, since January;
• Distribution of hygiene kits;
• Installation of chlorination points and repair of manual water pumps in Baraka, Mwangaza, and Mushimbakye;
• Distribution of 488 essential kits (containing soap, blankets, plates, and mosquito nets) within the Monge Monge displaced persons camp, and feminine hygiene kits to 870 women in the same camp.

Expanded mobilization of other actors is indispensable

Currently, our teams are concentrating their efforts on reproductive health and care for survivors of sexual violence at the Baraka health center, while simultaneously continuing their water, hygiene, and sanitation initiatives within the Monge Monge displaced persons camp.

However, the overall situation remains deeply concerning. Despite the ongoing interventions, the needs far outstrip the available response. “MSF’s presence, though vital, is not enough to cover the entirety of the needs. A broader mobilization of other humanitarian actors is more than necessary to assist populations who remain highly vulnerable to health and social challenges,” concluded Gianpietro Campedelli.