Cholera outbreak hits Congo gold mine camp
A cholera outbreak at an artisanal gold mine in South Kivu province has infected over 600 individuals, severely straining local health services and highlighting significant sanitation issues in the conflict-affected eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has treated at least 600 patients at a makeshift center in Lomera, with more than 350 requiring hospitalization.
Cholera, a bacterial infection linked to contaminated water or food, can be fatal within hours if untreated. Dr. Justin Bengehya from the South Kivu Provincial Health Division reported over 5,360 cases and 28 deaths in the province since early 2025, with a significant concentration of cases originating from Lomera. Patients at the MSF center have described severe symptoms, with some crediting the facility for saving their lives.
Health officials warn that without improvements in sanitation infrastructure and access to clean water, cholera outbreaks are likely to recur. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about increasing infectious disease risks in eastern Congo, particularly in informal settlements like Lomera, where overcrowding and unsanitary conditions prevail.
Despite the outbreak, artisanal miners continue their work under harsh conditions, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures. Following a gold rush that began in late 2024, Lomera's population surged from 1,500 to over 12,000, exacerbating the spread of cholera. MSF has established a temporary treatment unit, vaccinated over 8,000 people, and implemented water treatment and sanitation facilities. However, ongoing conflicts, funding cuts, and logistical challenges hinder the local health system's response.
