The city of Mechelen is donating its entire emergency budget for the first quarter to the NGO Doctors Without Holidays to support healthcare in DR Congo.
Doctors Without Holidays has been active in Eastern Congo for 20 years and helps strengthen the local healthcare system. Due to the conflict triggered by M23, the Rwanda-backed rebel group, healthcare in the region is under severe strain.
"We operate in around 40 hospitals in Africa, but the situation in East Congo is very unclear," said NGO director Stefaan Bonte. "This causes stress both for the local population and the aid workers. Our current campaign aims to provide basic supply kits to local hospitals and healthcare professionals who are facing an influx of people seeking help."
'Help desperately needed'
Doctors Without Holidays does not provide emergency aid, which is typically the role of organisations such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF) that set up temporary hospitals. "However, existing healthcare structures are now also receiving more visitors and are under heavy pressure," Bonte added. "Any help they receive is both welcome and desperately needed."
Each quarter, the City of Mechelen allocates €2,500 as an emergency budget and assesses where the need is greatest, with a preference for connections to the local area.
"Doctors Without Holidays has its headquarters in Mechelen, and we cannot ignore the current situation," said Patrick Princen, the city’s Councillor for Global Affairs. "It is important for our city to highlight this conflict and the human suffering in Eastern Congo, hoping to encourage others to contribute as well. There are many forgotten conflicts, and as a city, we will continue to provide emergency aid."
