John Wessels / Oxfam
Conflict, hunger and Ebola
Crisis in the DRC
More than five million people have been forced to flee their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) because of vicious conflict. DRC is also home to nearly 500,000 refugees from Burundi, Central Africa Republic and South Sudan. Millions face severe hunger.
The country is suffering its worst ever outbreak of Ebola, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern.
We are supporting people to
Survive today with clean water, toilets and handwashing facilities
Oxfam has chlorinated hundreds of water points to make sure they are safe and has put up hand washing stations at busy, communal areas in the camps..
Prepare for tomorrow by engaging communities on the risks of Ebola
As well as providing physical support such as water and handwashing facilities, we are engaging and talking to communities about the risks of Ebola and how to prevent transmission.
Adapt for the future by helping people to grow new crops
We’re providing seeds for crops and running ‘cash for work’ programs for the most vulnerable families.
We are taking care of the water system and we are building toilets in the camp. It's a complex situation - there's a big issue with space. We are looking into ways to increase the water supply.”
Junior in Democratic Republic of Congo