Context:
Amidst ongoing conflict, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, severely impacting health services. Since 26 January, 3082 injured and 843 dead have been reported from 31 health facilities in and around Goma, North Kivu. Hospitals in Goma, Nyiragongo, and Karisimbi are overcrowded, surgical teams are overwhelmed, and severe medical shortages persist due to looted MSF and ICRC stores. Local EMTs have deployed 18 personnel, but reinforcement is critical. Immediate assistance is needed for specialized care teams (SCTs) to support surgical trauma care, rehabilitation and post-surgical care, and deployment of field hospitals to bolster ongoing emergency medical efforts.
Security volatility, worsened by armed clashes, has hindered humanitarian access and the delivery of critical healthcare. Urgent and sustained support is required to strengthen healthcare services and provide vital medical assistance in the DRC. For more information, see WHO Press Release.
This call aims to map the international medical surge, including Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) and technical experts from the EMT network, available to support.
Expression of Interest:
Interested EMTs are requested to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form, accessed through this link.
Requirements:
EMTs are expected to be self-sufficient and equipped with their medical supplies and medicines. Teams must comply with the EMT minimum standards, including the guidance framework for medical teams responding to health emergencies in armed conflict and other insecure environments (EMT Red Book).