Democratic Republic of Congo: Treating children

Médecins Sans Frontières has been working in Rutshuru Hospital for seven years. The paediatric unit has seen a three-fold increase in admissions since last November. Children who come to Rutshuru Hospital usually have malaria. Very weak, they need to be treated quickly. The malaria season began in September but, since November, the doctors have observed an exceptionally high number of cases. The paediatric unit is working flat out and that children are often several to a bed. Appolinaire Mbavu, paediatric doctor, Médecins Sans Frontières (in French): "Most of the children treated here have malaria. As they have low hemoglobin levels, 2 or 4 grams, they need a blood transfusion." Malnutrition is the second most common illness here. Children often live far from the hospital and delay coming for treatment. To limit this delay, Médecins Sans Frontières supports four healthcare centres in the outlying districts like this one in Ntamugenga.