The study on the impact of violence against health care on the health of children and mothers sheds light on global data documenting attacks on health care facilities in 2022, with a specific focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The provinces of North and South Kivu were highlighted as being heavily affected by these attacks, which disrupted access to medical services. The research aimed to measure the effects of these attacks on healthcare accessibility for pregnant women and children under five, using a mixed-methods approach that included case studies from Kyondo, Fizi, and Walungu. Data was collected through interviews, focus groups, and health system analyses in early 2023 to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The findings of the study revealed that violent events resulted in decreased operation or complete shutdowns of health facilities for up to four weeks due to resource depletion and heightened safety fears. This significant drop in healthcare access had a severe impact on women attending maternal health services, with childbirth services being severely affected as they often occur at night. As a result, many women either traveled long distances to safer facilities or resorted to risky home births to avoid the dangers present at local centers. These findings highlight the urgent need for increased protection and support for health care services in conflict-affected regions, ensuring that vulnerable populations can access essential medical care during times of crisis.
In conclusion, this report emphasizes the critical importance of addressing violence against health care facilities to safeguard the health of children and mothers in conflict-affected regions. By providing adequate protection and support for these services, communities can ensure that women and children have access to vital medical care when it is needed most. For more information about this topic, please download our full report on the impact of violence against healthcare on the health of children and mothers.
