In the past month MAF has carried around 100 medical staff and more than 6 tons of vaccines and medical supplies to support 24 mobile clinics.
‘We have recently flown 13 flights to Malemba from Lubumbashi, transporting doctors, nurses, logistics people, vaccines, medical supplies, generators, beds, food, water – you name it,’ said MAF Pilot Tim Chase. ‘We have also been flying for an international medical agency as they assess the situation and prepare to respond. Our support of this crisis is ongoing.’
Says Chase, ‘In one village, the residents wanted help so desperately that 300 people worked four days to clear and reopen an overgrown airstrip so MAF could land with the medical team and supplies.”
According to UN reports, a reported 115,600 Congolese children suffered from measles between January and June, and 1,145 died of the disease. MAF has provided continuing support for treatment and vaccination campaigns.
While measles plagues south central DRC, cholera threatens the western part of the country. Ron Wismer, MAF Country Director in western DRC, reports that we have been transporting medicines and personnel from Kinshasa into Bolobo and Mbandaka, towns located north of Kinshasa on the Congo River.
‘We are now flying into Mbandaka two or three times per week to support the cholera work, and also flying regularly into Bolobo,’ said Wismer. ‘The epidemic seems to be following the river.’
Cholera was first reported in western DRC in March. According to the World Health Organization, 3,896 cases have been reported, including 265 deaths.