MAF assisting response to cholera and measles outbreak in DRC

A Christian organisation is giving refuge to areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo that have been struck with cholera and measles.

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is providing flight services to assist medical agencies in efforts to combat the deadly diseases in the most affected regions.

In the last month, MAF has carried 100 medical staff and 14,000 pounds of vaccines and medical supplies to support 24 mobile clinics that have been set-up to fight measles. They are working in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

“We have recently flown 13 flights to Malemba from Lubumbashi for MSF France, transporting doctors, nurses, logistics’ people, vaccines, medical supplies, generators, beds, food, water - you name it,” said MAF pilot Tim Chase.

“We have also been flying for MSF Holland, as they assess the situation and prepare to respond. Our support of this crisis is ongoing.

“In one village, the residents wanted help so desperately that 300 people worked for four days to clear and reopen an overgrown airstrip so MAF could land with the medical team and supplies.”



According to UN reports, 115,600 Congolese children suffered from measles between January and June, and 1,145 have died of the disease.

MAF has provided continuing support for treatment and vaccination campaigns. 
While measles plagues south central DRC, cholera threatens the western part of the country.

Ron Wismer, MAF programme manager in western DRC, reports the aviation ministry has been transporting medicines and personnel from Kinshasa into Bolobo and Mbandaka, towns located north of Kinshasa on the Congo River.

“We are now flying into Mbandaka two or three times per week to support the cholera work, and also flying regularly into Bolobo,” said Wismer.