In Sangé, located in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there has been a remarkable 90% reduction in cholera cases due to an eight-week emergency intervention by Doctors Without Borders (MSF). This outbreak was the most severe in the area in five years, primarily fueled by limited access to safe drinking water and the fragility of the local healthcare system. The situation has been further complicated by ongoing conflicts that have led to mass displacements of people, exacerbating public health challenges and increasing vulnerability to cholera.

An affected individual, Tanishaka, shared the harrowing experience of her illness, describing severe stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea, which unfortunately reflects the plight of over 800 individuals who have been infected and treated by MSF in the region. With local households lacking access to drinking water for months, the health crisis was accentuated by poor sanitation and limited medical resources. The humanitarian response has significantly improved the situation, yet the underlying issues contributing to such outbreaks stress the need for sustained health and infrastructure efforts.

This cholera epidemic highlights the challenges in the DRC, where conflicts disrupt not only daily life but also critical health infrastructure. While the temporary decline in cases is encouraging, it underscores the broader systemic issues that must be addressed to prevent future outbreaks, mark the need for continuous support in water and health resources, and maintain community awareness of hygiene practices to safeguard against such diseases in the future.