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South Kivu: First came the gold rush, then the cholera. MSF responds in Lomera.

The discovery of gold in Lomera, eastern DRC, in December 2024 triggered a population boom from 1,500 to over 12,000 in just months, as armed conflict, displacement, and economic hardship drove thousands to the mines. With little access to clean water or latrines, proximity to a contaminated lake, and low vaccination rates, a cholera outbreak was inevitable. MSF’s intervention—ending 1 July—includes mass vaccination and major WASH investments, significantly curbing the epidemic. As MSF prepares to withdraw, it is crucial that other partners ensure continued support for this ever-growing community.

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