In the northern Republic of Congo, thousands of refugees and displaced people live in extremely precarious conditions – made even more devastating by the growing impacts of climate change.

Under-immunized against disease, exposed to floods and malnutrition, these vulnerable populations face each new crisis with almost no resources or infrastructure to rely on.

Humanitarian aid provided by TSF offers rapid, multi-sectoral assistance that addresses these daily challenges and helps to mitigate their consequences.

 TSF’s teams are highly trained and ready to respond to new epidemics.

Yet the areas where TSF works – remote and isolated within the Congolese rainforest -have critical challenges: no electricity, no clean water and communities accessible only with great difficulty.

When floods hit, entire villages ” are submerged. What we fear most in these periods are outbreaks of diseases of cholera and other vector-borne diseases, since all sanitation systems overflow into the very water people must drink until the water recedes” explains Dr. Michel Wonya, TSF Project Manager.

In a population already under-immunized, where “most children are not vaccinated”, the risks are multiplied.

TSF recognizes two essential factors for success in its humanitarian mission.

Firstly, acting quickly to limit the impact of crises.

Through mobile clinics, TSF teams deliver health services directly to ‘‘remote villages with no medical care. We stay two or three days, spending nights, and during that time, we provide consultations, distribute medicine, offer prenatal care to pregnant women and vaccinate children under one-year old”, notes Dr. Wonya.

Secondly, building strong alliances with local communities.

Dr. Wonya explains: “[…] we need to rely on people who know the field better than we do. We provide them with basic training and in turn, they visit families and households and share vital information. Once they are convinced, the wider commitment follows,’’ he adds.

Through the community-based- approach, working with household’s heads, opinion leaders and religious figures, TSF ensures that vital information and assistance, reach every layer of society.

“Thanks to the community meetings organized by TSF on the importance of vaccination, I have seen vaccination coverage increase in my health area and a decrease in illnesses like pneumonia and diarrhea”, reports Clotaire, village chief.

Despite many challenges last year, TSF’s humanitarian aid efforts persevered thanks to the unwavering commitment and dedication of its teams, who mobilized to support those in greatest need.