Fighting in Goma Poses Risk of Ebola Virus Spread: Red Cross Sounds Alarm

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s city of Goma faces a growing threat as escalating fighting puts the safety of critical biomedical research at risk. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed deep concern about the potential consequences of power cuts at a laboratory that houses samples of deadly pathogens, including the Ebola virus.

ICRC regional director for Africa, Patrick Youssef, emphasized the urgent need to safeguard these samples to avoid unimaginable outcomes if the pathogens were to escape. He highlighted that the laboratory, part of the national biomedical research institute, is situated near the ICRC delegation in Goma and remains at risk due to its proximity to conflict zones. Youssef’s warnings come amid reports of intensified fighting in the region, with no clear updates on the safety of other laboratories in the city.

The resurgence of violence in Goma follows the advance of the Tutsi-led M23 armed group, along with Rwandan forces, into central Goma. The fighting has turned the city into a battleground, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in a region already marred by decades of conflict. Since the start of the year, half a million people have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in Goma, which was already home to an estimated 700,000 internally displaced persons before this latest surge in violence.

The ICRC is not only concerned about the laboratory but also about the impact of fighting on civilians. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant influx of gunshot and explosive-related injuries. According to the ICRC, over 600 wounded individuals have been treated this month alone at ICRC-supported facilities such as Goma’s CBCA Ndosho hospital. Nearly half of these victims are civilians, including women and children, underscoring the devastating toll of the violence.

Medical facilities in Goma are struggling to cope with the surge of wounded patients. Myriam Favier, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Goma, described dire conditions at hospitals, with patients being transported by motorbike or bus and some lying on the floor due to a lack of space. Civilians, including women and children, are arriving with severe injuries caused by bullets and shrapnel. François Moreillon, head of the ICRC’s DR Congo delegation, highlighted the desperate situation, stating that the organization is receiving numerous calls for help from wounded individuals left to fend for themselves.

The humanitarian crisis is compounded by the historical backdrop of conflict in the mineral-rich eastern region of DR Congo. Decades of violence, fueled by armed groups and regional rivalries, trace back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Today, the fighting continues to displace thousands, deepen the suffering of civilians, and threaten critical infrastructures like laboratories that hold dangerous pathogens.

The ICRC’s call for action highlights the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations and prevent potential disasters stemming from the current crisis. Preserving the safety of the laboratory in Goma must remain a priority, alongside addressing the growing humanitarian needs of those affected by the violence.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com