The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has significantly heightened the risk of disease outbreaks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization has raised concerns that the fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese armed forces is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis, particularly in North Kivu province.
Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, WHO’s representative for the DRC, emphasized that the fighting has disrupted essential healthcare services, making it more difficult to control the spread of infectious diseases. He highlighted the alarming rise in cholera cases, which is being fueled by damaged water infrastructure and limited access to clean drinking water. WHO has reported 600 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths in the past month alone.
In addition to cholera, the spread of malaria, tuberculosis, and the deadly mpox virus is becoming a growing concern. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death in the DRC, and with healthcare systems under strain, access to preventive measures and treatment has been severely impacted. Similarly, tuberculosis cases are expected to rise as displacement and overcrowded refugee camps contribute to higher transmission rates.
WHO has also warned that the conflict has severely disrupted its vaccination campaigns, particularly for the mpox virus. The outbreak of fighting forced the suspension of vaccination programs for ten days, leading to a significant gap in disease control efforts. During this period, many patients had to flee from isolation units, increasing the risk of further transmission.
While vaccination programs resumed on February 5 following an M23-declared ceasefire, Dr. Sambo cautioned that the situation remains volatile. The instability has made it difficult to maintain consistent healthcare operations, leaving many communities vulnerable to further outbreaks.
Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has become a focal point of both the conflict and the health crisis. The city, which was captured by M23 rebels, has witnessed devastating levels of violence, with at least 843 people killed and over 3,000 injured in recent clashes. Reports from local hospitals indicate that medical facilities are overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the influx of wounded individuals.
The conflict has also spread to South Kivu, where hospitals are reporting increasing numbers of injuries. WHO noted that at least 65 people were treated for conflict-related wounds in three hospitals in the province. With medical supplies running low and healthcare workers facing immense challenges, the situation remains critical.
The worsening conditions in the eastern DRC call for immediate humanitarian intervention. WHO and other international organizations have urged all parties to ensure the protection of healthcare workers and facilities, emphasizing that access to medical aid must not be hindered by the conflict.
In light of the escalating health crisis, WHO has called on the international community to provide emergency assistance, including vaccines, medical supplies, and clean water provisions. Without urgent action, the region could face a catastrophic public health disaster, further worsening the suffering of millions of displaced civilians.
As the conflict continues, the people of eastern DRC remain at high risk, not only from violence but also from deadly diseases that thrive in unstable environments. The global community must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life and to provide the necessary support to combat the growing health crisis.
