Cinderellas of Bukavu

The general health situation in the country remains deeply critical. The WHO recently declared an international emergency due to a new outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus in the Ituri province. This epidemic is spreading through areas already devastated by years of conflict and forced displacement, now reaching South Kivu. In this region, intervening and providing medical treatment is incredibly difficult: basic healthcare infrastructure is severely lacking, and the presence of armed rebel groups makes any emergency response extremely dangerous.

But what is the actual situation for those living in Bukavu? Our local coordinator wrote to us directly, with words that strike right to the heart:

"Fortunately, the current situation regarding Ebola in Bukavu seems calm; we are no longer hearing about new cases. However, the border remains closed, except in cases of emergency. The war has further worsened the situation: commercial activities are at a standstill, and we are living in extreme poverty. As for the insecurity, it is difficult to even describe: there are killings everywhere, with new deaths recorded every day. Many families are losing their loved ones; furthermore, numerous kidnappings occur, and families are forced to pay ransoms to secure the release of their relatives. Fortunately, schools are operating regularly, and the school year has just come to an end."

As you can understand, while we can breathe a sigh of relief that Ebola does not seem to have hit the city, the population finds itself trapped by another terrible plague: the violence of war, economic collapse, and constant fear.

In such a dark scenario, the fact that schools have continued to operate and that children have just finished the school year is a small glimmer of normalcy and extraordinary resilience. It tells us that life fights to move forward against all odds.

And this is precisely why your help is vital. We cannot change the conditions of this region alone, but together we can provide food, protection, and educational support to children and their families who are currently living in extreme poverty. Thank you for continuing to stand by their side.