Screening for child malnutrition in the DRC

Since October 2022, and particularly in January 2023, the intensification of fighting between FARDC and M23 forces has led tomajor population movements towards the outskirts of Goma, in the province of North Kivu, DRC.

As early as February 2023, Première Urgence Internationale intervened in IDP sites around Goma such as Lushagala, responding to the needs of populations fleeing the violence. Since then, our teams have continued to respond to the steady influx of new displaced people. Today, it is estimated that over 1.7 million people are on the move as a result of the crisis, and that 2.6 million require emergency humanitarian aid in the North Kivu region.

In July 2024, the Lushagala site counted 20,110 households, or 100,825 individuals, of which 11,550 new households were registered in February following the M23 advance into the neighboring Masisi territory. From January to July 2024, Première Urgence Internationale cared for 456 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

Read the testimonial of a young mother who brings her child for a malnutrition screening. After a full assessment, our team sets up an appropriate nutritional follow-up and provides immediate care to meet the child’s needs.