The ICRC warns of potential consequences if laboratory samples, including Ebola, are released during clashes in Goma, DRC. The organization highlights the risk to civilians as fighting intensifies in the city.
The Red Cross on Tuesday expressed grave concern about the potential for laboratory samples containing Ebola and other dangerous pathogens to be released during ongoing clashes in the besieged city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) is particularly worried about a national biomedical research institute's laboratory, which faces the risk of power outages.
Patrick Youssef, the ICRC's regional director for Africa, emphasized the urgency of safeguarding these samples in the face of the conflict, warning of 'unimaginable consequences' if they were to be dispersed. Youssef noted that the laboratory was situated very close to the ICRC delegation in Goma but lacked information regarding the safety of other laboratories within the city. Goma, the principal city in eastern DRC, has transformed into a battleground since fighters from the Tutsi-led M23 armed group and Rwandan forces seized control of central Goma on Sunday after a prolonged advance. This mineral-rich eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by fighting between armed groups, backed by regional rivals, since the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis. The UN refugee agency reported on Monday that half a million people in the region have been displaced from their homes since the beginning of the year. Goma, a city of one million located near the border with Rwanda, already housed an estimated 700,000 internally displaced persons.The ICRC expressed alarm over the impact of the escalating fighting on civilians. The organization stated that it has witnessed a 'massive influx' of people wounded by gunfire and explosive ordnance in ICRC-supported facilities, including Goma's CBCA Ndosho hospital. According to the ICRC, its staff have treated over 600 wounded since the beginning of the month, nearly half of whom were civilians, with many being women and children. 'The wounded are transported by motorbike, others by bus, or with the help of Congolese Red Cross volunteers,' explained Myriam Favier, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Goma. 'Civilians are arriving seriously wounded by bullets or shrapnel,' she added, describing the overcrowded situation where some patients were forced to lie on the floor due to a lack of space. Francois Moreillon, head of the ICRC's DRC delegation, stated that the organization is receiving a significant number of calls from individuals who are injured, vulnerable, and left to fend for themselves
Ebola DRC Goma ICRC Conflict Laboratory Civilians Health Risk M23
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Golden Globes 2023: Red Carpet Glows with Gold and Pops of RedHollywood’s elite descended upon the Beverly Hilton for the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, and the red carpet was a dazzling display of fashion. Gold was the dominant theme, with stars embracing shimmering gowns and accents.
Read more »
Zendaya sparks Tom Holland engagement rumors with diamond ring at Golden Globes 2025Zendaya debuts chin-length red bob on the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet
Read more »
FDA Bans Controversial Red Food Dye Red No. 3The FDA is banning the use of FD&C Red No. 3, a synthetic red food dye, citing concerns about its potential health effects. Although the FDA maintains that Red 3 poses no significant risk to humans, the ban will take effect in 2027 for food products and 2028 for ingested drugs.
Read more »
US Bans Artificial Red Dye Red No. 3 in FoodThe FDA announced a ban on the artificial food dye Red No. 3, citing safety concerns. The ban, effective in 2027, is expected to have a minimal impact on consumers and food manufacturers.
Read more »
Panic spreads in eastern Congo's largest city as rebels close in around GomaPanic is spreading in Goma in eastern Congo as M23 rebels encircle the city, battling Congo’s army. Many civilians have been wounded in the crossfire. The rebel group has been making significant advances in recent weeks, closing in on Goma, which has around 2 million people and is a hub for security and humanitarian efforts.
Read more »
M23 Rebels Close In on Goma, Eastern DRCM23 rebels continue their offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing the town of Sake and pushing closer to Goma, a city of 2 million people and a regional hub. The escalating conflict has displaced tens of thousands and raised fears of a wider regional war.
Read more »