In North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Karisimbi Health Zone, in Goma is one of the most vulnerable areas, facing a major health and nutrition crisis. Years of conflict and displacement have taken a heavy toll on the population, leaving thousands in urgent need of assistance.
After the M23/AFC rebel groups took control of Goma in January 2025, AVSI resumed its activities in the area, responding to the emergency while continuing to stand alongside families and children supported through the Distance Support Program.
With the support of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), AVSI is implementing the “Treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in Children and Community Strengthening: An Integrated Approach for Mothers, Children, and Health Services in the Karisimbi Health Zone, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo". The project runs from June 1 to September 30, 2025, targeting the most affected communities in the Karisimbi Health Zone, located in Goma, North Kivu province.
A crisis of nutrition and displacement
North Kivu is one of the hardest-hit provinces in the DRC, with over 70% of health zones marked as high priority. In this fragile context, OCHA reported 3.87 million people experiencing acute food insecurity, and nearly 48,000 children under five suffer from severe acute malnutrition.
AVSI’s intervention focuses on children aged 0-5 years and pregnant and breastfeeding women - groups most at risk of malnutrition and related complications.
Supporting children and women
The project aims to reduce malnutrition-related morbidity and mortality by strengthening nutrition services and preventive strategies. The key objectives include:
- Treating 420 children with severe acute malnutrition, including 120 with medical complications
- Supporting the prevention of malnutrition among 5,577 children aged 6 months - 2 years and 2,340 pregnant and breastfeeding women on nutritional best practices
- Building the capacity of 240 health professionals and community actors to deliver sustainable health and nutrition services
Strengthening local health systems
AVSI is implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes:
- Training healthcare workers and community health workers on managing severe acute malnutrition, essential family practices, infant and young child feeding, and gender-based violence
- Conducting screening campaigns, home visits, and support group sessions to prevent malnutrition
- Supplying nutritional units with essential tools and resources
- Tackling Monkeypox-related challenges while strengthening monitoring and quality assurance systems is essential. In Goma, Mpox has become an increasing public health concern, placing additional pressure on an already fragile healthcare system. Effective management is key to containing its spread, safeguarding vulnerable communities, and preventing the collapse of limited health services.
All activities are implemented in coordination with the Provincial Health Division (DPS), the National Nutrition Program (PRONANUT), the Karisimbi Health Zone Central Office (BCZ), and local health facilities (FOSA).
Local collaboration for lasting impact
To ensure sustainability, AVSI is working closely with local associations and community leaders, encouraging ownership and long-term impact. By building local capacity, the project lays the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient health system that continues to serve vulnerable populations well beyond the project period.
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