DR Congo: MSF responds to severe cholera epidemic in Sangé

Water access is a key challenge in Sangé

Sangé’s two main water collection points are not functioning properly and have become inaccessible, and households have been without drinking water for several months. “Due to the presence of armed groups, it was impossible for people to access water collection points, whose filtration systems were clogged with sand and dirt,” explains Mamadu Diallo, MSF medical team leader. 

Most residents were left with no other choice but to drink unsafe water from the river or irrigation canal. 

“It's dirty water that hasn't been treated, but because of the water shortage, we drink it because we have no other choice,” says Busime, the mother of 3-year-old cholera patient Gisele, who is being treated at Sangé General Hospital. “My daughter became completely dehydrated. She stayed in bed and couldn't even get up after going to the toilet.”   

The epidemic has been exacerbated by constant displacement as people flee regular clashes between the Congolese army and their allies, and AFC/M23. People are being forced to live in crowded and often unsanitary conditions, without access to drinking water. 

“I fled the war in the village of Kigurwe and returned to Sangé a month ago because my children couldn't adapt,” says Busime.  

At Sangé General Hospital, Nakitula, a farmer being treated for cholera, tells a similar story. “I fled to Kahungwe ... But as I had no fields to cultivate and no means of subsistence there, I returned, as living conditions were becoming increasingly difficult. To survive at the moment, I do day-to-day work so that I can eat." 

Chlorination points are increasing water access

“Access to drinking water collection points is the major problem in the area, and this is what needs to be addressed as a priority,” explains Edwige Baluga, MSF medical coordinator.  MSF is working with the community to help clean up water collection points, so that eventually all the water will be filtered and chlorinated. 

“The constant displacement of people caused by the conflict is bringing people into the area who have never been educated about cholera prevention measures,” explains Elisé Wilondja, MSF health promotion supervisor. 

To help prevent any resurgence of the disease in this cholera-endemic area, MSF is raising awareness among community leaders about hygiene measures and recognizing symptoms. People are also being trained to properly wash water containers that may be contaminated. 

At the end of January, after an explosion in the city that killed several people and injured a dozen others, the MSF emergency team had to evacuate Sangé for security reasons. MSF will continue to carry out activities remotely until mid-February.