Only 11 of Katoyi’s 22 health areas remain operational after fighting in North Kivu

After months of fighting between rebels of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (formerly AFC-M23) and the Congolese armed forces, backed by Wazalendo fighters, only 11 of Katoyi’s 22 health areas in North Kivu remain operational. The clashes led to looting at health facilities and forced patients and medical staff to flee; staff have returned only in limited numbers despite a recent lull. Cholera-like diarrhoea cases are resurfacing, particularly in Ufamandu, while poor access to care and shortages of medicines are undermining the health response. Health authorities are calling for humanitarian corridors to help people reach care and allow aid to be delivered.