“The streets were littered with bodies, the wounded were arriving by the dozens”, a doctor recounts from Goma

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At the end of January 2025, violent fighting plunged the city of Goma into chaos. ALIMA responded immediately, treating over 900 injured people and providing free medical care to thousands of civilians. Dr. Alfred Mufungizi, one of the first on the scene, shares his experience.

The violence that shook Goma between 26 and 30 January 2025 led to a major humanitarian crisis. ALIMA responded immediately, treating nearly 1,000 wounded individuals and providing free care to several thousand civilians for nearly three months. Dr. Alfred Mufungizi recalls:

“The streets were littered with bodies. The wounded were arriving by the dozens. Even with gunfire still echoing, I decided to head into the field on the third day of the fighting.”

Dr Alfred Mufungizi, médecin référent ALIMA à Goma - Photo Serge B. SIKULI — *Dr. Alfred Mufungizi, ALIMA’s lead physician in Goma, was among the first to respond to the emergency in January 2025.*

Before the mobile networks were cut off, hospitals in Goma were already sounding the alarm about the massive influx of casualties. It was at the Heal Africa Hospital that ALIMA launched its humanitarian response.

Overwhelmed health facilities

During the fighting, health facilities were severely affected: medications were looted, access to care was blocked, and medical staff faced exhaustion. Some worked tirelessly for an entire week.

“ALIMA began its assessments from the very first alerts, while the bombs were still falling. We were able to act in time and save lives.”
Dr Mufungizi

The Heal Africa Hospital was at full capacity. Injured people occupied every available bed, and the corridors were crowded.

Blessés de guerre hôpital Heal Africa, à Goma - Photo Serge B. SIKULI — *Wounded civilians waiting for their bandages at Heal Africa Hospital, days after undergoing surgery.*
*Since the beginning of February 2025, ALIMA has been supporting nine operating theaters and a surgical department to cope with the massive influx of patients.*

“To get around, you had to step over wounded individuals lying on the ground. It was almost unimaginable.”

In response to the emergency, ALIMA set up additional beds, deployed surgical equipment and medicines, and strengthened its teams, with reinforcements from other countries.

“Treating over 900 injured people in two months was an enormous challenge.”

Comprehensive care

The intervention aimed to address all medical and human needs. Ambulances were dispatched to transport injured people, and mental health teams offered psychological support to both patients and their families.

“ALIMA considered every aspect of care. The approach was holistic, ensuring optimal recovery.”

Soins, personnel Heal Africa à Goma - Photo Serge B. SIKULI — *During treatments, ALIMA’s teams work closely with* ***Heal Africa*** *staff, promoting* ***skill transfer****, particularly in applying external fixators.*

Free care for the population

ALIMA’s efforts also extended to the Virunga General Hospital in Goma, where thousands of patients were treated free of charge, including pregnant women, children, and individuals with various pathologies.

Cour de l’hôpital Heal Africa à Goma - Photo Serge B. SIKULI — In a courtyard at Heal Africa Hospital, injured patients rest while waiting to be treated. Some are returning from hospital wards, while others are on their way to outpatient care, sometimes transported by motorcycle.

“The conflict and looting have seriously impoverished the population. In this context, free care was essential.”

A significant human impact

756 injured were treated in hospitals
Several hundred patients were treated on an outpatient basis
Over 900 people were treated in total

“To be able to help despite everything. That’s what drives us.”
Dr. Alfred Mufungizi

Who is Dr. Alfred Mufungizi?

Originally from South Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Alfred Mufungizi studied at the Catholic University of Bukavu. After several years working in clinics, he joined ALIMA in 2019, during the 9^th Ebola epidemic. Since then, he has been involved in many emergency situations in his country.

This intervention is part of an emergency project supported by the European Union (ECHO).