As war and economic collapse intensify in eastern DRC, PROLASA faced a record influx of displaced individuals, many without access to any healthcare. Muchulo Pygmy Village, already vulnerable, welcomed both locals and non-Pygmy refugees seeking medical help. With limited resources, our efforts emphasized disease prevention through hygiene education and mental health support for the war-traumatized.

• 262 patients treated: 105 children (15 hospitalized, 1 death), 80 women (12 hospitalized), 60 men (13 hospitalized)

• 10 referred for surgery; 6 prenatal consultations

• 70% of cases: upper respiratory infections caused by overcrowding

• Malaria with diarrhea reported among children

Critical Challenges:

• Lack of inpatient care facilities

• Need for 24/7 care with limited staff

• Insufficient medical supplies due to war-induced transport blockages

• Under-resourced laboratory capabilities

• Over 24,000 displaced people have arrived on Idjwi seeking refuge from the M23 conflict

• Many are living in overcrowded churches, schools, and market sheds

• There is a sharp rise in disease risk: cholera, malaria, respiratory infections, typhoid

• At least 1,341 displaced are under PROLASA’s care, including 92 unaccompanied minors

Immediate Needs:

• Medical supplies, nutrition support, clean water

• Tarps, latrines, and safe shelter to prevent disease spread

• Ongoing construction and staffing at the Muchulo Health Centre

Administration

The administrative team continues to face several pressing needs. The water system, which has broken down again, requires urgent repairs. In addition, ongoing expenses such as travel, motorcycle maintenance, and hospitality for visiting guests have added to operational costs. Another priority is the provision of adequate housing for married staff members.

Agriculture

This year, the region experienced an unusually wet season — rainfall persisted throughout what is normally the dry period. Despite these challenges, crops such as beans and other staples were planted at the usual time. Valeur has also been providing training on cultivating cassava, a versatile crop that can serve as an essential food source during dry seasons or between harvests.

Education

The new school year has begun successfully and is progressing well. The community is eagerly anticipating the start of a new school construction project, which is being financed by World Vision.

Health

Preventive health programs have been launched to educate residents on how to reduce the risks of malaria, intestinal parasites, and upper respiratory infections. However, the demand for healthcare from the surrounding Muchulo population continues to grow, and available supplies and medications remain insufficient.

To meet this increasing need, we are exploring ways to accelerate construction of the health centre and to identify alternative sources of funding. These efforts have been complicated by the ongoing occupation of North and South Kivu by M23 rebels. Nevertheless, PROLASA remains committed to seeking support from the provincial government of South Kivu and other partners.

During the past month, the health team provided care to 180 outpatients, reflecting the growing importance of this work in the community.