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Bukavu: An unidentified disease is causing child deaths in Bagira; the NDSCI raises its voice
2 days ago
The health situation is becoming worrying in the commune of Bagira, in Bukavu, where several cases of deaths of children aged 0 to 6 years have been reported in recent days.
According to the local New Dynamics of Civil Society (NDSCI), the cause of these deaths is a disease whose nature remains unknown.
Speaking on the matter, Shamikolo Kitwembili Bertin, president of the NDSC-Bagira, reports that cases have been recorded in several families across the ten neighborhoods of the commune. He describes a worrying trend, characterized by a rise in incidents without a clear medical explanation at this stage.
Following a site visit, the head of this community organization indicated that the affected children generally present with a high fever, sore throat, and intense fatigue. These symptoms rapidly progress to a deterioration of their health, leading, in some cases, to death within two to four days.
The neighborhoods of Mulambula, Cikonyi, Ciriri, and Cikera are among the most affected areas. However, similar reports are also coming from other parts of Bagira, raising concerns about a wider spread of this unidentified disease.
The NDSCI also points to a lack of reliable data on the situation. This deficiency is reportedly linked to the limited reporting of information from some private health centers, thus complicating the accurate assessment of the scale of the crisis.
Furthermore, the organization reports cases of deaths recorded in some schools, increasing the concerns of parents and the educational community. Many families are also reportedly experiencing difficulties accessing appropriate healthcare due to financial constraints or a lack of suitable facilities.
Faced with this alarming situation, the New Dynamics of Civil Society calls on health authorities to act without delay. It recommends the opening of thorough investigations to identify the origin of the disease, the strengthening of the epidemiological surveillance system, and improved information sharing.
While awaiting official answers, the local population remains uncertain, fearing a worsening of the situation if urgent measures are not taken to contain this health threat.
Editorial
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Health crisis in Bagira: an unidentified disease is killing children aged 0 to 6
By Elie Munike
April 30, 2026
A worrying health situation is shaking the commune of Bagira, where several cases of death of children aged 0 to 6 years have been recorded in recent weeks, without a precise cause being identified at this stage.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Shamikolo Kitwembili Bertin, president of the New Dynamics of Civil Society (NDSCI) in the Bagira commune, warned of the seriousness of the situation. According to him, neither the relatives, nor some pharmacists, nor even healthcare providers have been able to definitively determine the origin of the illness that caused these deaths.
Faced with this emergency, the NDSCI calls on health authorities to act without delay. It specifically recommends the deployment of an epidemiological investigation team in the most affected neighborhoods, including Mulambula, Cikonyi, Ciriri, and Cikera, before extending the investigations to all ten neighborhoods of the municipality.
The organization also advocates for strict oversight of private health centers, requiring them to systematically report all cases of fever in children under six. It further emphasizes the need to make treatment for suspected cases free of charge, in both public and private facilities.
The NDSCI also recommended launching a large-scale communication campaign through radio stations and churches to inform parents about the measures to take. Activating a 24/7 hotline to report new cases was also among the priorities mentioned.
“Every hour counts. Our children are dying in silence due to a lack of data. Families do not have the means to treat them,” said Shamikolo Kitwembili Bertin, assuring that his organization is ready to support medical teams in the field, mobilize the population and help identify health facilities that may be concealing information.
As concern grows among the population, the speed of the health response could prove crucial in preventing the situation from worsening.
Marie-Thérèse RIZIKI
