North Kivu: Diarrhea cases and deaths surge at Walikale prison

Three inmates died and several others were hospitalized this week at Walikale central prison in North Kivu following an outbreak of diarrhea. Designed for about 100 people, the prison now holds nearly 500 amid dilapidated facilities and a severe shortage of drinking water; cases of diarrhea and skin conditions have multiplied over the past two weeks. Director Joseph Shuruku says the prison lacks the funds to transfer seriously ill inmates to hospital and is calling for an urgent medical response, a functioning infirmary and the resumption of government subsidies. Prison officials and civil society are urging the authorities and international partners to provide health and food assistance.