Navigating the Frontlines of Public Health: A WHO Incident Manager’s Account from Goma, DRC
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is no stranger to crisis. But the recent surge in conflict around Goma presented a uniquely challenging scenario for humanitarian workers. As an Incident manager for the World Health Association (WHO), Dr. Thierno Baldé found himself not only battling potential disease outbreaks, but also navigating a rapidly shifting security landscape. This is his story – a testament to the dedication, and the personal cost, of delivering healthcare in the midst of chaos.
A System Under Strain
Goma, a city already burdened by hosting hundreds of thousands displaced by previous conflicts, was overwhelmed when it fell to rebel forces. the immediate impact on healthcare was devastating.
Health facilities, already stretched thin, were emptied as people fled the fighting.
Patients were left scattered within the community, losing access to critical care.
* Existing disease control programs – vital for containing outbreaks like Ebola and cholera – were severely disrupted.
“The patients ended up in the community,” Dr. Baldé explained, highlighting the immediate and precarious situation. The collapse of infrastructure meant a heightened risk of preventable disease and suffering.(Image: Dr. Thierno Baldé (center left) and colleagues visit a WHO-supported health center providing care to the population around Goma.(file) – © WHO)
Facing the Unknown: Direct Engagement with De Facto Authorities
The situation demanded a delicate balance. Maintaining neutrality while ensuring access to vulnerable populations required a arduous decision: engaging with the rebel groups now controlling the region. The WHO team faced uncertainty. Were these fighters acting independently, under orders from the M23 rebel group, or simply opportunistic criminals? The distinction, in that moment, was less crucial than securing the ability to deliver aid.
Dr. Baldé took the lead. He and his team proactively sought a meeting with the new authorities at the North Kivu governor’s offices.Presenting his WHO identification, he delivered a clear message:
“I told them Ebola can affect everyone, cholera can affect everyone. We are here to contain them.”
This direct approach, though fraught with risk, proved crucial. It established a fragile but vital channel of dialog,allowing the WHO to continue its life-saving work.
The Human Toll of Humanitarian Work
The work in Goma wasn’t just professionally demanding; it was deeply personal. days were consumed by urgent meetings and strategic planning. Evenings offered little respite, spent in a hotel were the presence of heavily armed men served as a constant reminder of the instability.During Ramadan, the city’s curfew added another layer of difficulty. Dr. baldé broke his fast each night with a simple meal, acutely aware of the uncertainty surrounding him. The physical and emotional strain took its toll. upon returning to Dakar, Senegal, two months later, his medical tests revealed significant health issues.
“It was a real personal sacrifice,” he admitted, ”and I’m not even talking about mental health. As a humanitarian, you have to take care of yourself, too.”
A Veteran’s Perspective: Years of Service, a Lasting Impact
Dr. Baldé’s experience isn’t unique among humanitarian professionals,but his dedication is exemplary. With a background in Guinea and Quebec, and experience with the Canadian Red Cross in Haiti and during the West African Ebola outbreak, he joined the WHO in 2017 and has as responded to numerous emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though, Goma left a particularly deep impression.
“I did everything I could to go back, but I paid a price.”
This statement speaks to the profound impact of the crisis, not only on Dr. Baldé himself,but also on his family.His children understand their father’s commitment to helping others, even when it means prolonged absences. His wife has learned to cope with the inherent risks and uncertainties of his profession.
Despite the personal cost, Dr. Baldé’s unwavering conviction remains: “I had to be there.”
Why this matters: The situation in Goma underscores the critical role of humanitarian organizations like the WHO in providing essential healthcare during conflict. It also highlights the immense challenges faced by aid workers, who frequently enough operate in risky and unstable environments, making significant personal sacrifices to alleviate suffering. Supporting
