Is the democratic transition process in the DRC affecting the ICRC’s level of commitment?
It is true that the first free and democratic elections in the DRC ran smoothly overall, and that the country is in a period of stabilization. Nevertheless, considerable humanitarian needs remain to be met, especially in the eastern part of the DRC. That is why the ICRC is planning to step up its activities this year as compared with 2006. For example, it will continue and even reinforce its limb-fitting programmes and its support for medical facilities. With the help of health-care professionals from the Panzi hospital in Kivu, the ICRC is currently drawing up a protocol for the medical and surgical management of patients suffering from osteomyelitis and osteitis. This new programme will help to improve the treatment of chronic wounds that lead to serious bone infections. The ICRC’s assistance is still needed to restore family links. Although the use of cell phones is growing in the DRC, a significant number of people have no other way but the Red Cross message system to communicate w
