The humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues to cause massive population displacements and puts the health system under extreme pressure. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently sounded the alarm about the deteriorating situation and the devastating impact on the lives of millions of people.
Armed conflicts and intercommunal clashes have led to the destruction of entire villages, leaving millions of people homeless, without food and without means of subsistence. In addition, floods and landslides make the delivery of humanitarian aid even more difficult.
These precarious conditions and forced population displacements considerably increase the risks of the spread of serious diseases such as measles, cholera, malaria, COVID-19, polio, meningitis, smallpox and plague. The WHO has reported an alarming increase in the number of cholera cases, with more than 29,000 suspected cases and 121 deaths recorded this year, compared to just over 5,000 cases the previous year for the same period.
This health crisis is taking place in areas where violence is hampering the provision of essential medical services. Health infrastructure is regularly attacked, health workers are killed or threatened, and medical supplies are often looted. Since the start of the year, WHO has recorded 19 attacks on health facilities, resulting in the death of 8 people and the injury of 1 other. These attacks have a direct impact on access to health care for affected populations.
The situation continues to deteriorate, with more than 6.3 million people displaced in eastern DRC over the past 18 months, including one million forced to flee in the past six months. In total, 7.4 million people are in urgent need of medical assistance in the DRC.
Although some aid measures have been put in place, notably by the WHO and other partner organizations, funding remains insufficient. To date, WHO’s fundraising appeal has only been 14% funded, leaving a shortfall of almost $27 million.
It is essential that the international community and humanitarian partners continue to support the DRC in this humanitarian crisis. Urgent measures must be taken to ensure access to basic health care for vulnerable populations and to prevent the spread of deadly diseases. The situation in the DRC must not be forgotten, and additional efforts must be made to provide lifesaving medical aid to those who desperately need it.