[Slideshow] Fighting a Years-Long Measles Epidemic in Congo
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DRC 2013 © Tristan Pfund/MSF
A measles epidemic that began in 2010 and affected the entire country continues to sicken tens of thousands of children in northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). #
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DRC 2013 © Tristan Pfund/MSF
The epidemic has spread to areas recently hit by a malaria outbreak between May and September 2012, causing exceptionally high mortality rates among children under five years old. #
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DRC 2013 © Tristan Pfund/MSF
This epidemic has proven particularly deadly among the very young and the population’s needs have outstripped the capacities of the Congolese health system. #
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DRC 2013 © Tristan Pfund/MSF
Even health facilities that do have supplies must deal with frequent medicine stock-outs and major staff shortages. #
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DRC 2013 © Tristan Pfund/MSF
“We’re trying to find solutions to save lives by any means possible because we have no supplies,” said Dr. Mukambula, medical director of the hospital in Titulé, Orientale Province. "We don’t have anything." #
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DRC 2013 © Tristan Pfund/MSF
The vast majority of the population lives below the poverty line and most of the care that is available comes with fees attached. Many people, therefore, do not seek medical attention when they get sick ...
Source: MSF Multimedia - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news
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