Daliatima,, three years old, is resting on a bed with one of her friends at the pediatric inpatient ward of Ndu, Democratic Republic of Congo, on January 27, 2021.

Her mother Karama has been a refugee in Ndu since 2017 because of the violent events that occurred in Bangassou that year. At that time, she was in hospital with her daughter when the rebels took over the city. The hospital was not spared and a man was killed at the entrance. Since crossing to the Ndu side, she has not returned to Bangassou and still lives in precarious conditions.

Karama is at the health post in Ndu to treat Daliatima from her chronic illness (sickle cell disease). She only crosses over when her daughter’s medical condition is too critical and she needs to be referenced to the Bangassou hospital.

"On January 3, I saw all these people arriving in Ndu. Now, with the additional refugees, it has become even more difficult to find food. Fortunately, my daughter's health care has not been impacted by this."

When the armed offensive started on Bangassou on January 3, more than 13,000 people fled the city and crossed the river to seek refuge in this village. The number of consultations at the health center exploded and MSF had to quickly increase its support to take care of women and children suffering from malaria, respiratory infections and diarrhea, not to mention the many pregnant women.

For the moment, she does not want to return to Bangassou. She is still very worried about the future and has to provide for her sick daughter alone.