afrol News, 19 October - Malnutrition and cholera have been biting thousands of people displaced and isolated by weeks of heavy fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu.

At least 15,000 of the displaced and isolated people in the region have accessed to first aid, aid workers confirmed. Many children in region have been battling with severe malnutrition.

Relief and humanitarian services resumed in the troubled region following the cessation of weeks of fighting between the Congolese regular forces and rebels loyal to the pro-Rwandan dissident, General Laurent Nkunda.

This enabled thousands of civilians in Kirolirwe and Kitshanga [North-West of Kivu' capital Goma] to have access to health services and food aid. Violence deprived these people from accessing relief services.

Sporadic clashes have forced civilians in the fertile regions to their homes. They fear to harvest their crops and therefore left them for the warring parties.

Authorities in the war-ravaged regions have also expressed concern over the outbreak of cholera. They appealed for urgent action to prevent disease from spreading fast.

Of the 70 reported cholera cases in Kirolirwe, three have already died, sending authorities into action.

But the arrival of medical consignments provided by the World Health Organisation was like a manna from heaven.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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