What Oxfam is doing
Years of sporadic conflict in Congo has resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, which has taken the lives of an estimated 5.4 million people. Preventable diseases have killed many of them.
Last updated December 2009
The upsurge in fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has forced about 900,000 people from their homes since January 2009. Oxfam is working with local partner organizations to provide vital clean water and sanitation along with hygiene education, and to promote human rights.
In major towns, such as Lubero, in North Kivu province, we are working with partners to truck in 200,000 liters of clean drinking water every day. These towns are serving as safe havens for many of the displaced people, and the needs in these communities are enormous.
In the province of South Kivu, Oxfam is establishing new programs in Bukavu and Uvira to supply water and sanitation services to more than 80,000 people.
We are also distributing items essential for maintaining good health and hygiene, including soap and buckets for carrying water.
Through our work with Congolese partners, we are helping communities prevent and respond to violence and human rights abuses by supporting community education and advocacy with local civilian and military authorities. About 50,000 people in North and South Kivu are benefitting from this project.
