Fierce clashes near Goma, a strategic city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have left 45 dead and over 2,000 injured, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) alert. The UN agency warns that mass displacement could trigger deadly disease outbreaks – including mpox, cholera, and measles – in a region already stretched thin by conflict.
Casualties Mount in Goma
WHO cited unverified reports showing healthcare facilities overwhelmed by casualties across three health zones in North Kivu province. With infrastructure buckling, officials fear a “perfect storm” of risks: “Displacement creates crowded conditions where diseases spread rapidly,” the agency stated.
Displacement Fuels Health Crisis
Over 135,000 people have fled violence in recent weeks, per local estimates. Cholera – spread via contaminated water – and measles (a vaccine-preventable disease) are major concerns, while mpox’s zoonotic transmission adds another layer of danger. Health workers are racing to distribute supplies amid security challenges.
Why it matters: The DRC hosts one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts, with over 6 million displaced internally. This crisis spotlights how war amplifies public health threats globally.
Why it matters: The DRC hosts one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts, with over 6 million displaced internally. This crisis spotlights how war amplifies public health threats globally.
Mpox Outbreaks Surge Globally: WHO Warns of Rising Cases
