More Than Medicine: How We Care for Displaced People in the DRC

When violence and instability displace people in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), our teams respond with medical care. In Minova, a town in the Kalehe Territory, the population has surged as people from neighbouring areas seek shelter from the fighting. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) come to our mobile medical units (MMUs) to receive lifesaving care in the absence of a safe, accessible healthcare facility.

Our staff are forced to take unmaintained, underdeveloped roads to reach IDP sites near the east DRC conflict zones. Fortunately, local community members are willing to help the team cross this river in the hills of South Kivu on the way to an MMU near Minova.

Our team sets up the MMU at the Matendo IDP site, where people are sheltering in churches and classrooms after escaping violence in their hometowns.

Cibalonza Rachelle, a CHW with International Medical Corps, receives IDPs and host community members for medical consultations at our MMU at the Matendo site near Minova.

Before the MMU begins treating IDPs and host community members, Bienvenu Musangu, Program Manager (right), briefs Salama Fumbu (center) and Cibalonza Rachelle, two community health workers (CHWs).

Bienvenu speaks with local community members about International Medical Corps, its mission and the services our MMU is providing at the Matendo IDP site.

Amid the armed conflict, our staff provides treatment for wounds, prescription medicines and paediatric care to IDPs and host community members alike—even as the fighting continues around them.

Kabiona, who fled the violence in Bweremana, receives medication during a consultation at the Matendo IDP site.

Uzima, a 29-year-old father who fled his home with his sons and lives at the Matendo IDP site, receives medication and care from Bienvenu in the MMU.

Georgette, who fled with her child from the conflict in the Masisi territory, stands holding her child outside the classroom that serves as her home.

Uzima poses with his sons while holding the medications he received during his consultation with International Medical Corps MMU staff.

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