United Nations Radio

Continuing clashes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have forced most of the schools in Rutshuru area to shut down.

According to the UN children's agency-UNICEF, 150,000 children are not going to school as a result.

UNICEF says most of these children are displaced, while others belonged to the region, but all have been deprived of going to school because of the insecurity and risks. The agency says the situation remains tense and very volatile.

In Geneva, a UNICEF spokesperson says a vaccination campaign against measles is still going on, but there are some areas where access is impossible.

UNICEF says information received from Goma Tuesday says in the village of Ishasha, north of Goma, 127 cases of cholera had been reported, and these cases were multiplying very quickly because of the lack of hygiene and sanitation.

The agency says it is imperative for humanitarian actors to have access to be able to help those in need.

UNICEF warns that displaced persons are particularly vulnerable to cholera and measles, especially children who are already suffering from malnutrition.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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