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.
