Concern over humanitarian situation in Kisangani

UNICEF has expressed concern that the planned national immunisation days in Kisangani have been disrupted, with over 180,000 polio and 200,000 measles doses spoilt, according to the latest report by the Kisangani humanitarian task force. Furthermore, the report said, there are no facilities to test for cholera. It warned that around 50 suspected cases were showing up in areas where large numbers of displaced people were concentrated. MSF-Holland added that 14 of the 15 sites where they have nutrition programmes are functioning. Attendance at supplementary feeding centres has dropped by 50 percent. MSF however has expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation in Kisangani. In a statement issued on Thursday, it said the civilian population had suffered considerable losses and continued to live under serious threat. “The ongoing crisis situation in the region of the Great Lakes requires an immediate political solution ensuring protection of the population,” the statement pointed out. “Humanitarian assistance alone cannot be considered a solution and must not be used as a blanket to cover up a lack of political action.” MSF stressed that even though the ceasefire was still holding, the “population is still paralysed with fear”. Despite Rwandan and Ugandan claims that they would withdraw their troops, there was still a heavy military presence in the city, it said. “The fighting may flare up again at any time,” MSF warned. It added that food prices were very high, and although the water supply had resumed, it was of poor quality.