TY - JOUR T1 - Prevention of COVID-19 in Internally Displaced Persons Camps in War-Torn North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Mixed-Methods Study JF - Global Health: Science and Practice JO - GLOB HEALTH SCI PRACT DO - 10.9745/GHSP-D-20-00272 AU - Kasereka M. Claude AU - Muyisa Sahika Serge AU - Kahindo Kahatane Alexis AU - Michael T. Hawkes Y1 - 2020/10/20 UR - http://www.ghspjournal.org/content/early/2020/10/20/GHSP-D-20-00272.abstract N2 - Key FindingsCongolese internally displaced persons (IDPs) had high awareness and fear of COVID-19, but low specific knowledge.IDPs face major barriers to implementing COVID-19 prevention measures: crowded shelters, frequent movements in and out of the camp for work, and lack of soap for hand hygiene.IDPs’ desire for peace and to return to their native homes, where COVID-19 precautions could be feasibly implemented, overshadowed their enthusiasm for other control measures such as a vaccine.Key ImplicationsDonors and policy makers should consider providing consumables, such as soap for hand hygiene and face masks, to implement COVID-19 precautions.The national government or international aid agencies should consider providing individual family dwellings (e.g., tarpaulin tents) to allow IDPs to practice physical distancing.National and international governments should take serious measures to restore peace to the area by controlling armed conflict. A safe return to their homes would allow IDPs to practice COVID-19 prevention without external aid.Résumé en français à la fin de l'article. ER -