Aerial view of a camp for internally displaced people in Nyiragongo — the same area impacted by a volcano eruption in 2021. Photos by Jackson Kambale

You’re doing a World of Good: providing clean water in Eastern Congo

  • Emily Esworthy
  • May 4, 2023

For families struggling to survive in the Democratic Republic of Congo, your support has made a world of difference.

In March 2022, the M23 rebels launched a new wave of violence in the eastern region, committing horrible atrocities against innocent children, women and men. Fighting between M23 soldiers and the Congolese Army has continued for the past year.

As a result, some of the same communities affected by an Ebola outbreak and a volcano eruption in recent years are caught in the middle of another humanitarian crisis. Today, more than half a million people are living in makeshift camps after fleeing their homes. Although they ran in search of safety, another enemy met them in the camps: cholera.

What is cholera?

Cholera is a severe diarrheal infection caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. It spreads easily in areas that lack safe water sources and sanitation facilities.

Cholera can be fatal within hours if not treated right away through rehydration, IV fluids and antibiotics.

How your gifts help displaced families

Through the World of Good fund, your generosity met displaced families in the camps with essentials for survival including water filters, quilts, food and other basic supplies.

You also supported large-scale cholera prevention and response efforts to save lives and stop this deadly disease from spreading. To date, your kindness has:

  • Provided hygiene kits and handwashing stations in 16 camps serving 31,931 people
  • Constructed showers to serve 17,128 people
  • Disinfected more than 2,000 households and 84 latrines
  • Supported behavior change activities, such as promoting handwashing and other healthy hygiene practices
  • Chlorinated the camps’ water sources to kill harmful bacteria 

These efforts are paying off. Despite the challenges of living in a camp, deaths from cholera have dropped to nearly zero.

Thank you for loving your neighbors in eastern Congo. Your generosity truly does a World of Good.

Until your love reaches every neighbor.

CREATED BY
Emily Esworthy, May 4, 2023 email

 

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