The Red Cross has warned that escalating violence in Goma, DRC, could lead to the escape of dangerous pathogens from a local laboratory. Concerns are rising over the safety of Ebola samples amidst heightened civilian casualties and medical emergencies resulting from ongoing conflicts.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed significant concern regarding the potential for pathogens, including Ebola, to escape a laboratory in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amid escalating violence. Patrick Youssef, ICRC’s regional director for Africa, highlighted the risks posed by possible power outages affecting the national biomedical research institute. He emphasized the dire consequences that could ensue if dangerous samples were released due to the ongoing clashes.
The conflict in Goma has intensified since the Tutsi-led M23 armed group entered the city, leading to increased casualties and displacement. The ICRC noted a rising trend of civilians wounded by gunfire and explosives, with their medical facilities receiving more than 600 injured individuals this month alone. Many of these victims are women and children, emphasizing the serious humanitarian crisis overshadowing the region.
Goma, a city of one million near the Rwandan border, is currently sheltering around 700,000 internally displaced persons. The ICRC has reported a massive influx of wounded civilians seeking medical care, exacerbating the strain on local health services. Injured individuals are being transported in various ways, including by motorbike and bus, as hospitals struggle to accommodate the surge in patients suffering from severe injuries.
Francois Moreillon, head of the ICRC’s DRC delegation, remarked on the desperate situation faced by the wounded, reflecting the overwhelming demand for assistance in Goma. Myriam Favier, ICRC’s sub-delegation head, described some patients as lying on the floor due to insufficient space at medical facilities, highlighting the urgent need for support and resources amidst this crisis.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a long history of conflict, particularly in its eastern regions, where various armed groups have been engaged in combat since the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In Goma, violence has surged recently, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement. Alongside humanitarian challenges, the presence of dangerous pathogens in local laboratories raises new public health concerns amidst the fighting, potentially threatening wider regional stability.
The rising violence in Goma poses a serious threat to both local civilians and public health due to the potential escape of dangerous pathogens from laboratories. The ICRC’s urgent warnings underscore the humanitarian crisis unfolding as the influx of wounded individuals overwhelms medical facilities. The situation calls for immediate international attention and assistance to protect lives and prevent a public health disaster.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
