21 02 13 MSF UK : Lives at risk as fighting continues in Katanga

 For the past few weeks, around 500 people have been living in the
grounds of the MSF hospital. After it proved difficult to maintain a
satisfactory level of hygiene and fearing a disease outbreak, the medical team
managed to convince the town’s remaining residents to move outside the
compound.

 

Drop in patient numbers

 

“People living here are terrified” said MSF’s Dr Thomas Mollet, in
Shamwana.

 

“We’re surrounded by empty villages and have seen a drop in patient
numbers at the hospital. People have fled and don’t dare to seek medical
treatment – they’re too scared”.

 

MSF outreach activities to the surrounding area have been affected by
the fighting. Some Congolese nurses employed by MSF have been forced to leave
their posts and flee with the population into the bush.

 

MSF centres looted

 

The MSF health centres in Monga and Kishale have been looted, and solar
panels stripped from the roof. The team is striving to deliver medicines to the
remaining health posts in the area.

 

Several patients with urgent referrals from health clinics have not made
it to the hospital. The medical consequences are often severe when people
cannot access essential healthcare. Last week a child died of severe malaria
after a road block delayed arrival at the hospital.

 

“We’re seeing patients who arrive at a very late stage, often in a
life-threatening condition, and in need of emergency care” said Dr Mollet.

 

“One of our first cases was a pregnant woman who had been in labour for
days but was too afraid to travel when complications arose. Her baby died
before she reached our hospital but we were able to save her life.”