“They cut off our second water source. We were left with one, half functioning. There is practically no water in the hospital. Our only supply is a small cistern near the surgery ward. If this situation continues any longer, we are in danger of a cholera outbreak,” rings the exhausted voice of Sr Agnes on the messenger.

Of the three sources that supplied water to the people in Ntamugenga and our hospital before the outbreak of war in North Kivu, only one is currently functioning. But it too has been damaged during the fighting. As a result, half of the water escapes through the side and does not reach the villages. “This, in a situation where more than 15,000 internally displaced families have taken refuge here, is causing havoc. There is not enough water for anyone. There is so little of it that it is difficult to wash,” explains Sr Agnieszka.

Crowds of young children wandering around the village with large canisters looking for a tap from which to get at least a little water flowing is now a daily sight in Ntamugenga. Last night, thanks to the gigantic efforts of Sr Agnieszka and you, water flowed from one! It was you who financed the installation of the bypass that brings water to one of the places where refugees are camping.

Today, Sr Agnieszka launched another battle to repair the only functioning source in the rebel-occupied area. Apart from the militias, time is working against us. More days with scarce water, in the conditions in which thousands of people are camping, are the fuse for a cholera epidemic. We desperately need you now. The fact that our hospital and nutrition centre are still operating is thanks to you! Every donated IV, blood or tablet for malaria, which is affecting more and more people now in the rainy season, is worth LIFE. We desperately need you! Join our urgent fundraiser to save the hospital.