This theme resonates deeply with the realities faced by humanitarian workers and civilians caught in conflict zones. We must act to protect them from violence, and we must act against impunity for those who attack humanitarian missions.

We must act for peace.

As a World Health Organization consultant for Preparedness and Operational Readiness programs for five years, I have supported 47 African countries, many of which are facing humanitarian crises driven by armed conflict, forced displacement, and disease outbreaks.

My work has involved close support to Fragile, Conflict, and Violence (FCV)-affected countries, including hands-on humanitarian responses in areas like Goma, Bunia, Mbandaka, Bukavu and other health zones (DRC), assisting internally displaced populations, and also in West Africa supporting Readiness Programs.

In this spirit, I co-organized readiness online and/or on site sessions in 47 africans countries, and led the Ebola preparedness coordination for three years in DRCongo during humanitarian emergencies situations.

In DRC’s Nord Kivu and Ituri provinces—regions marked by the presence of over 200 armed militia groups including Mai Mai, CODECO, and FDLR—I oversaw operational readiness activities under extremely complex security conditions and supervised around 56 WHO international experts and around 560 MoH national experts.

Tragically, we lost a WHO colleague from the Response team in Nord Kivu during a targeted attack by Mai Mai militia—a stark reminder of the daily risks humanitarian workers face.

Attacks on humanitarian workers, assets, and operations in Nord Kivu not only violate international humanitarian law but also endanger the vital lifelines sustaining millions of people caught in war and disaster.

Thanks first to the World Health Organization and then to the One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health, we’ve been able to support communities in navigating these crises, responding to disease outbreaks, and building resilience.

As we mark World Humanitarian Day, let us renew our commitment to protect those who serve and those in need, and to stand firm in the face of impunity. August 19 was designated as World Humanitarian Day to increase public awareness about humanitarian work.