Ituri conflict leads to measles epidemic

Conflict between the Hema and Lendu ethnic groups in Ituri district, Province Orientale, has led to a measles epidemic, a sharp increase in cholera and plague cases, and a rise in malnutrition in the area, MSF said on Thursday. In a statement received by IRIN, MSF said the conflict, which began in mid-June, had made about 40,000 people homeless and had already claimed a "large number" of dead and injured. "The displaced are living in conditions of poor hygiene, and health centres in the region have been looted, torched, or abandoned, leaving both the local population and the displaced without medical aid," the statement said. In response, MSF has launched a large-scale measles vaccination campaign targeting 30,000-35,000 children, has distributed anti-cholera drugs and water purification equipment and is working with local health services on measures to be taken against plague. Eighteen plague cases have been reported in the area since 5 August, and five deaths have been attributed to the disease, the statement said.