In a significant humanitarian development, measles vaccines have finally reached the rebel-controlled territory of Kachehembe in eastern Congo’s North Kivu province. This delivery comes nearly a year after the onset of a devastating measles outbreak that has plagued the region.
The humanitarian situation has been severely exacerbated by the seizure of territory earlier this year by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, creating substantial obstacles to healthcare delivery in one of the world’s most critical crisis zones. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has initiated vaccination efforts, with anxious parents forming lengthy queues to immunize their children against the highly contagious disease.
Silas Bazimaziki Rugiriki, a local father bringing his son for vaccination, expressed the community’s distress: “Children are suffering greatly from this disease.”
Congo’s health system faces overwhelming challenges, reporting over 36,000 suspected measles cases and 565 fatalities across nearly all of its 26 provinces as of July. The country simultaneously battles multiple health emergencies including recent Mpox and Ebola outbreaks, compounded by ongoing rebel activities.
The M23 insurgency has captured key cities in the mineral-rich eastern region since January, resulting in thousands of casualties despite ongoing peace mediation efforts led by the United States and Qatar.
MSF reports having treated at least 1,000 pediatric measles cases in Kachehembe alone this year, with 11 confirmed deaths. Their vaccination campaign specifically targets children under five years old, though operations face complications from mass displacements caused by persistent attacks from multiple rebel factions.
Dr. Toussaint Selemani, MSF’s medical director for the measles response, explained to The Associated Press: “The area is experiencing a constant influx of displaced families, which is increasing demand.” A nearby hospital currently treats 53 children afflicted with measles.
Local mothers described the rapid progression of the illness. Sarah Noëlla, 37, recounted how her 2-year-old son Fariji Jacques developed fever followed by red eyes and mouth speckles, initially mistaken for influenza. Many families emphasized their complete dependence on MSF’s assistance, with 21-year-old mother Irène Shashire stating, “We are living in a war zone, we have nothing.”