In the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported a concerning increase in the number of war casualties amid the Ebola outbreak. Last May, 303 people were hospitalized for injuries related to armed violence, among which over 16% were victims of explosions.

This alarming situation arises as the DRC faces a major health crisis, with a total of 1,022 reported cases and nearly 700 deaths related to the Ebola outbreak, as highlighted in a statement from the ICRC. The provinces of North Kivu and Ituri are particularly affected by this dual humanitarian tragedy.

Health authorities and the Congolese government are attempting to coordinate efforts to limit the spread of the virus while addressing the growing needs of the injured. However, according to Adeline Ayukepse Nkokeu, regional delegate in charge of medical services at the ICRC, this coordination is hindered by the ongoing security crisis in the region.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that armed groups continue to inflict suffering on local populations, making it difficult to access necessary care for the injured. This insecurity also impacts the response efforts against Ebola, further exacerbating the health situation in these already fragile provinces.

The ICRC calls for increased awareness of humanitarian needs in the region and urges international actors not to focus their attention solely on Ebola. The security situation requires an immediate response to protect civilians and ensure access to essential medical care.

As medical teams strive to address this dual crisis, the ICRC continues to monitor the situation and provide support to local health facilities. However, without a significant improvement in security, humanitarian challenges are likely to worsen in the coming months.