Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo
It's been called Africa's World War—the worst humanitarian tragedy since the Holocaust. In the last six years, an estimated 3.8 million people have died as a result of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Millions more have been displaced.
Background
What started as political opposition to the government of Laurent Kabila has been sustained by land disputes and greed, as rebel groups and neighbouring countries jockey to control DRC's natural resources including diamonds and gold. The world's increasing demand for high-tech tools and toys has contributed to the conflict. The eastern DRC is also rich in coltan, a mineral used to manufacture everything from cell phones to video game consoles. Rebel groups have chased farming families off their land to get access to the mineral.
The victims of this conflict are civilians who have fled their homes and are hiding in the jungle or living in camps. They're not dying of gunshot or machete wounds. Eighty to 90 per cent of the deaths are due to malnutrition, water-borne illnesses, and other preventable diseases. Half of the dead are children under five. What World Vision is Doing
World Vision is responding to the needs of people in North Kivu, a province in eastern DRC. North Kivu has seen its own share of violence—and a massive influx of displaced persons from the even more volatile Ituri region. World Vision's projects address their critical needs for clean water and nutritious food.
Water Projects
World Vision is implementing a water project, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The project will benefit about 70,000 people—most of who are internally displaced by the conflict.
- The population of the small town of Eringeti has swelled many times over with displaced people. World Vision is rehabilitating the town's existing gravity-fed water system.
- World Vision is protecting 40 freshwater springs in the area, making clean, safe drinking water available to thousands of people.
Nutrition
- World Vision distributes rabbits to families with malnourished children in North Kivu. The rabbits increase families' protein intake and household income.
- The same agricultural project has introduced a more nutritious variety of cassava, a root vegetable high in vitamin C.
Emergency Relief
When conflicts flare up, World Vision Congo is ready to distribute emergency food, blankets, and other survival items to displaced people in eastern DRC.
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