Doctors Without Borders: fighting in the Central African Republic, worsening the humanitarian crisis

In the Central African Republic (CAR) the humanitarian and security situation is rapidly worsening due to the continuous post-electoral clashes between the coalition of armed groups and government forces supported by foreign troops. This is what the teams of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in the country testify that, after numerous offensives in recent weeks, on January 13 they treated 12 people for injuries due to the fighting on the outskirts of the capital Bangui. In addition to the victims of violence, the entire population is once again struggling with growing insecurity which further reduces access to medical services. Also on January 13, only 14 pregnant women went for treatment at MSF's Castors maternity facility in Bangui, which specializes in obstetric emergencies, compared to an average of more than 30 patients per day. This new cycle of violence has led to the displacement and flight to neighboring countries of tens of thousands of people, often in very precarious living conditions. In the south-east of the country, more than 10,000 people fled the city of Bangassou during the offensive on January 3 and crossed the Mbomou River to find refuge in Ndu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Here, the MSF teams that have supported the health center since 2017 by providing maternal and child care, also respond to the needs of the displaced. '' With the massive influx of refugees into Ndu, we immediately increased our support for this health center by providing medicines, vaccines and additional staff, '' said Marco Doneda, coordinator of the MSF project. The number of medical visits has increased rapidly, with more than 110 patients seen on average every day, mainly women and children suffering from malaria, diarrhea or respiratory infections. Given the needs, in the coming days we will further increase our medical capacities in the center, as well as the response to potential epidemics by strengthening routine vaccinations. '' In addition to providing medical care to refugees, MSF teams have installed a water purification system that fills three cisterns with treated, potable river water. '' Access to water is essential to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases - continues Doneda - Living conditions in Ndu are very bad and access to sanitation is limited ''. In Rca, across the Mboumou River, MSF teams continue medical activities at the Bangassou Regional Hospital, supported by MSF since 2014. On January 3, the day of the attack, around 800 people, including women and children, sought refuge in the hospital where MSF teams gave them shelter, clean water and medical care. '' Although the security situation has relatively calmed down in Bangassou, people are still scared and about 1,600 spend the night in the hospital, '' Doneda concludes. "In addition to the hospital, other sites for displaced people have sprung up near Bangassou where some non-governmental organizations are providing support and we are also evaluating whether it is necessary to offer further help to the people present." During the last four weeks, following the new violence, MSF teams in the country have treated the injured and responded to the health needs of the population. In a country already hit hard by eight years of civil war, where people live in a chronic health emergency situation, worsening security conditions increase their vulnerability even more.  

Bangui, Central African Republic (André Bâ / Xinhua via AP)

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January 16, 2021 In the Central African Republic (CAR) the humanitarian and security situation rapidly worsens due to the continuous post-electoral clashes between the coalition of armed groups and government forces supported by foreign troops. This is what the teams of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in the country testify that, after numerous offensives in recent weeks, on January 13 they treated 12 people for injuries due to the fighting on the outskirts of the capital Bangui.

In addition to the victims of violence, the entire population is once again struggling with growing insecurity which further reduces access to medical services. Also on January 13, only 14 pregnant women went for treatment at MSF's Castors maternity facility in Bangui, which specializes in obstetric emergencies, compared to an average of more than 30 patients per day.

This new cycle of violence has led to the displacement and flight to neighboring countries of tens of thousands of people, often in very precarious living conditions. In the south-east of the country, more than 10,000 people fled the city of Bangassou during the offensive on January 3 and crossed the Mbomou River to find refuge in Ndu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Here, the MSF teams that have supported the health center since 2017 by providing maternal and child care, also respond to the needs of the displaced.

'' With the massive influx of refugees into Ndu, we immediately increased our support for this health center by providing medicines, vaccines and additional staff, '' said Marco Doneda, coordinator of the MSF project. The number of medical visits has increased rapidly, with more than 110 patients seen on average every day, mainly women and children suffering from malaria, diarrhea or respiratory infections. Given the needs, in the coming days we will further increase our medical capacities in the center, as well as the response to potential epidemics by strengthening routine vaccinations. ''

In addition to providing medical care to refugees, MSF teams have installed a water purification system that fills three cisterns with treated, potable river water. '' Access to water is essential to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases - continues Doneda - Living conditions in Ndu are very bad and access to sanitation is limited ''.

In Rca, across the Mboumou River, MSF teams continue medical activities at the Bangassou Regional Hospital, supported by MSF since 2014. On January 3, the day of the attack, around 800 people, including women and children, sought refuge in the hospital where MSF teams gave them shelter, clean water and medical care. "Although the security situation has relatively calmed down in Bangassou, people are still scared and around 1,600 spend the night in the hospital," Doneda concludes. "In addition to the hospital, other sites for displaced people have sprung up near Bangassou where some non-governmental organizations are providing support and we are also evaluating whether it is necessary to offer further help to the people present."

During the last four weeks, following the new violence, MSF teams in the country have treated the injured and responded to the health needs of the population. In a country already hit hard by eight years of civil war, where people live in a chronic health emergency situation, worsening security conditions increase their vulnerability even more.

Doctors Without Borders: fighting in the Central African Republic, worsening the humanitarian crisis

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