Older people like Isabelle are in urgent need of essential medical care.
A technical team from HelpAge International has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to assess the needs of older people. We are also continuing to work with the health agency, Merlin.
Around a quarter of a million people have fled their homes in the north eastern part of the country, following intensified violence between opposition militia. They are now living in desperate conditions.
Older people face particular difficulties
Isabelle, aged 80, came to Goma three weeks ago after fleeing Kibumba 25km away. Soldiers started to attack civilians, so she fled on foot with a large crowd of people.
Older people face particular difficulties when fleeing conflict, due to lack of mobility. Isabelle says, "It was very difficult and my sons had to carry me for part of the journey."
Isabelle is staying in a friend's house with her sons and 20 other families. She is having difficulty breathing and has suffered severe headaches and stomach pains since fleeing her home. Isabelle says, "I really need medical help."
Fortunately, a team from Merlin has been able to treat Isabelle with antibiotics and magnesium trisilicate for acute respiratory infections and gastric syndrome.
Struggling to survive
But the conditions in which people are living remain difficult.
"We get water from the reservoir, but it's not drinkable. There aren't any taps here," says Isabelle. "There's no way for anybody to earn a living. We use the toilet in the nearby primary school, but there are so many people using it."
This is the third time Isabelle has had to flee her home - she first had to leave in 1996 and this year has already had to move twice.
How you can help
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an appeal for the people of the DRC. This appeal has raised over £4 million in just four days, with 25,000 donations on the first night alone.
Brendan Gormley, Chief Executive of the DEC said: "The generosity of the British public has been fantastic, especially considering the current economic climate. This money has a real effect on the ground. We need your continuing support to help even more individuals and families displaced, hurt or separated by the crisis."