Measles epidemic affecting tens of thousands of children in DRC, MSF warns

Mar 2 2013

"A measles epidemic has affected tens of thousands of children in northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), overwhelming health facilities, says medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)," IRIN reports. "'Most health centers are either not functional, out of medical stocks or inaccessible for the majority of the population. Many children die in their villages because the health facilities cannot provide adequate care,' Anja De Weggheleire, MSF medical coordinator in DRC, told IRIN via email," the news service writes (2/27). "The extent of the need has overwhelmed DRC's health system," MSF notes in an article on its webpage, adding, "Those [health facilities] that are operating frequently run out of drugs and struggle to find qualified staff, and absence of passable roads makes it very difficult to reach and supply them." The article notes, "Since March 2012, MSF has treated more than 18,500 patients and vaccinated more than 440,000 children, but it is clear that many more need assistance" (2/27).