The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has significantly heightened the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, and the deadly mpox virus. The deteriorating situation has worsened public health conditions, with displaced populations, disrupted healthcare services, and lack of clean water contributing to the crisis.
Fighting between armed groups and government forces has exacerbated an already critical humanitarian emergency, with millions of people affected. Health officials have reported that the combination of violence, displacement, and weakened infrastructure has made it difficult to contain the spread of infectious diseases. The situation is particularly concerning in North Kivu province, where cholera cases have surged due to disrupted water supplies and poor sanitation conditions. Within the past month, authorities have recorded 600 suspected cases and 14 deaths from cholera.
Beyond cholera, the conflict has also severely impacted the response to mpox. Vaccination campaigns for the virus were interrupted, and many patients who were receiving treatment had to flee. Reports indicate that 90% of mpox patients in isolation units in Goma abandoned treatment due to the violence. This disruption has increased fears of a wider outbreak.
Although vaccination programs partially resumed on February 5 following a ceasefire declaration, the overall security situation remains unstable. Health officials have warned that even with efforts to restart health interventions, the continued threat of violence poses a major challenge to reaching affected populations.
The recent escalation in violence has resulted in significant casualties, with over 3,000 people injured and 843 killed in the latest clashes. Hospitals and morgues in Goma are struggling to handle the overwhelming number of victims, and medical facilities in South Kivu have also reported dozens of additional injuries. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure further complicates efforts to treat patients and prevent disease outbreaks.
The eastern DRC has long suffered from conflict, with previous wars in the region having devastating consequences. The renewed fighting has further destabilized the area, displacing thousands of families and forcing them to seek shelter in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. These factors create the perfect conditions for the spread of disease, as access to clean water, proper hygiene, and medical care remains limited.
Humanitarian organizations continue to call for urgent intervention to prevent the crisis from worsening. Efforts to restore water supplies, provide medical aid, and restart vaccination programs are underway, but the success of these initiatives depends on sustained peace and security. As long as the conflict persists, the risk of further disease outbreaks remains alarmingly high.
Health experts emphasize that without immediate and sustained international support, the situation could spiral further out of control, leading to even more loss of life and suffering. Addressing both the security and public health challenges in the DRC is critical to preventing a larger catastrophe in the region.
