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A new report highlights the serious impact of violence on health care for children and mothers worldwide, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The study focused on the provinces of North and South Kivu, which were heavily affected by violence and disrupted access to crucial medical services.
The study aimed to evaluate how these attacks affected health care accessibility for pregnant women and young children through a comprehensive mixed-methods approach that included case studies from specific locations in the DRC. In particular, the report highlighted the challenges faced by health care facilities in Kyondo, Fizi, and Walungu, which experienced severe attacks in 2023.
Data for the study was collected through interviews, focus groups, and health system analyses in early 2023 to understand the extent of the impact on health care services in these areas. The findings indicated that the attacks led to the partial or complete closure of health facilities for several weeks due to resource shortages and heightened safety concerns. As a result, pregnant women faced decreased access to maternal health services, with childbirth services being significantly affected due to the timing of deliveries and the dangers of night-time visits to health facilities. Many women were forced to travel long distances to find safer facilities or resort to risky home births to avoid the risks associated with local health centers.
The report underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection and support for health care services in conflict-affected regions to ensure that vulnerable populations, especially women and children, can access essential medical care without fear. The study serves as a crucial document to raise awareness of the consequences of violence against health care facilities and advocate for adequate measures to protect and support these vital services in regions affected by conflict.
