Faced with the intensification of violence linked to the M23 conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, blood transfusions are exploded in hospitals. The provincial blood transfusion center (CPTS) launched, this January 25, 2025, an urgent appeal to the population: “giving their blood to save lives”.
In an exclusive interview with Actualite.CD, Docteure Merveille Rubakare, CPTS coordinator in North Kivu, underlines the urgency of the situation:
“Each day, blood requests increase with the massive arrival of wounded. Our stocks are getting started quickly. Without a massive mobilization of the population, we may no longer be able to meet these vital needs, ”she explains.
The impact of a blood donation
She insists on the impact that each donation can have:
“Each blood donation can save up to three lives. It is a simple act but whose importance is invaluable. In these difficult times, it is essential that everyone takes their responsibilities and contributes to this surge of solidarity. We call healthy citizens to come regularly to give their blood. »»
Who can give blood?
The doctor Merveille specifies that any “healthy adult, weighing more than 50 kilos, can arise for a donation, except medical contraindication”. It also highlights the importance of donors with rare or universal blood groups, which are particularly sought after at the moment.
Residents of Goma and the surrounding area can go directly to the CPTS to offer their blood.
“In wartime, each blood donation is a concrete response to save lives. Giving blood is not only to respond to a medical emergency, but also to testify to his solidarity with the victims and their families, ”adds Docuureure Merveille.
The CPTS calls on the population to mobilize to meet this humanitarian challenge and thus bring a little hope to the heart of a period of suffering.
-Each day, the number of wounded in bullets or bursts of buses increases to Goma. The CBCA Ndosho hospital, which mainly takes care of these patients, is completely overwhelmed, alerted this Friday, January 24, the humanitarian coordinator Bruno Lemarquis.
Goma: The Lac-Vert district shaken by the insecurity and the impact of the M23 war
In the Lac-Vert district of Goma, insecurity becomes more and more disturbing. Avenue Lushangala, known as “Kimashini”, has become a ground conducive to thefts committed by “false wazalendo” even in broad daylight.
This Saturday, January 25, 2025, some individuals took advantage of the insecurity caused by the advance of the M23 to loot the property of the population.
“The false wazalendo steal community property even during the day. We fear this situation. If they do this on the day, then how will the night be? “Asks himself by Mitima, chief of the Lac-Vert district.
The tension is palpable, and anxiety rises among the inhabitants of this part of Goma. The neighborhood leader calls on the security authorities to intervene quickly to protect the population and their property:
“We ask the security services to come and master these people and take measures against their officials. Otherwise, if it continues, it will be worse than the war of the M23 that we are currently undergoing. »»
Since the advancement of the M23, the Lac-Vert and Mugunga districts have been empty of their inhabitants.
“They come during the day for certain activities, but in the evening, they are forced to go and get a safe place because of the detonations of heavy and light weapons,” said the neighborhood chief.
Since the start of the week, fighting has been raging in Sake, not far from Goma. The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by Wazalendo militiamen, face the rebels of the M23, themselves supported by the Rwandan army. Detonations of heavy weapons are heard even in the western part of the city.
Yvonne Kapinga, in Goma
