Since February 2nd, over 500,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) have sought refuge in Minova, an agricultural and fishing village in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), finding shelter in camps, schools, public buildings, or with host families. Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), already active in Minova, is collaborating with the local community to address urgent needs, focusing on providing essential water and healthcare services to tackle the crisis effectively.
Minova, a refuge for IDPs in DRC, is overwhelmed as the M23 conflict intensifies, now supporting over 500,000 displaced people-ten times its population! The region is battling high rates of waterborne diseases like cholera, making clean water access critical. Urgent needs include jerry cans for water collection, health assistance within the camps, and support for pregnant mothers. Additionally, the rate of sexual violence is escalating due to this crisis.
ECI remains committed and is actively working within the Minova community to determine the best response to the crisis. Our Asili water system is the only tested source of clean, drinkable water in Minova. Our efforts to assist in solving this problem include supplying jerry cans, laying 620 meters of water piping from our reservoir directly to two of the largest IDP camps, operating mobile health clinics in IDP camps, and funding medical care for children and pregnant mothers.
Asili, ECI's social enterprise, redefines the conventional aid model with a locally run and permanent solution. Our water system aims to reduce and prevent waterborne diseases. The Asili Clinic staff, primarily from Minova, are dedicated to helping patients in need and are ready to serve the displaced. Whether the crisis subsides or intensifies, our services in Minova will continue regardless of the crisis's duration.
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