The ongoing conflict in North Kivu has forced over 600,000 people to seek safety in the Goma area, where they are living in overcrowded and informal camps (Lwashi, Lushagala, DGDA, Sam Sam, Buhimba, Rego, Cepac, Shabindu and others). These camps are home to many recently displaced individuals, leading to serious health risks because of a lack of basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services.



When these people first arrived, conditions were dire, with no access to clean water or toilets, which increased the risk of disease outbreaks. The ongoing conflict in North Kivu province has led to a massive increase in the number of people fleeing their homes over the past two years, with displacement continuing due to the intensity of the fighting. As of September 2024, around 645,000 people are still sheltering in overcrowded camps around Goma. The sanitation facilities are overwhelmed, needing an additional 465 latrines to meet basic needs. Many latrines are full, which can lead to contamination and outbreaks of diseases like cholera and Mpox.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is working to improve water supply and sanitation in these camps. At first, water was brought in by truck, but this method was not enough. By mid-2024, MSF began connecting some camps to the Bulengo water network, which has a treatment station. However, about 52% of the water still comes from truck deliveries, which is expensive and not a long-term solution.

To tackle this crisis, MSF has invested in systems for pumping, storing, treating, and distributing water around the camps to improve access for displaced people. Until June, the water provided was only 12.5 liters per person per day, far below the recommended 20 liters. Ongoing investment and proper upkeep are essential to ensure that everyone in the camps has regular access to water.