By Bunmi Yekini
A surge in violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has led to mounting casualties, mass displacement, and the destruction of critical health infrastructure, placing millions at risk, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned.
Since January 26, hospitals and morgues have been overwhelmed, with 3,082 people injured and 843 deaths reported across 31 health facilities in and around Goma, North Kivu. With the violence spreading south, 65 injuries have also been recorded at three hospitals in South Kivu. The death toll is expected to rise as more victims reach medical centers.
“The situation remains volatile, and the health needs are immense,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Health workers are operating under dire conditions, some forced to flee, while others are working around the clock with limited resources and overwhelming demand.”
Over 70 health facilities—roughly 6% of those in North Kivu—have been affected, with some completely destroyed. A WHO-supported health clinic was temporarily occupied by armed groups, and ambulances have been damaged in the ongoing clashes.
Beyond emergency care, routine health services for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and mental health have been severely disrupted. The conflict has also drastically reduced access to maternal health services, increasing the risk of death during pregnancy and childbirth. “Experience from previous conflicts in this region shows that during intense violence, the rate of births attended by skilled health workers drops to near zero,” WHO stated.
Infectious disease threats are also rising, with cholera, malaria, measles, and tuberculosis among the pressing concerns. Goma’s water supply was recently disrupted, forcing residents to use untreated lake water, exacerbating the risk of cholera outbreaks. Nearly 600 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths were reported in North Kivu between January 1 and 27.
Meanwhile, the region remains the epicenter of the mpox outbreak, declared a public health emergency by WHO last year. The crisis has severely impacted response efforts, with 90% of mpox patients in isolation units in Goma fleeing for safety, making treatment nearly impossible and raising the risk of further spread.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
One in four people in the region was already facing emergency levels of hunger before the latest surge in violence. Malnutrition is now expected to worsen, particularly among children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
Sexual violence has also spiked. A rapid assessment of 10 healthcare facilities in and around Goma revealed 45 cases of sexual violence among displaced people, including 21 survivors of gang rape who have been admitted to hospitals. WHO has emphasized the urgent need for medical and psychological support for survivors.
International Aid Blocked as WHO Appeals for Action
WHO has deployed emergency medical supplies and expanded hospital capacity by 1,000 beds. However, with supplies rapidly depleting, more resources are urgently needed. WHO is preparing further deliveries through an aid operation led by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), but reopening Goma’s airport is critical for aid access.
Adding to the crisis, the U.S. government’s recent decision to freeze foreign aid has significantly impacted humanitarian operations. The U.S. previously contributed nearly 70% of the DRC’s humanitarian response and played a key role in funding the mpox vaccination program.
WHO has already spent $600,000 to meet immediate health needs in eastern DRC but says at least $50 million is required to sustain the response. “We call for humanitarian access, the protection of health workers and facilities, and, ultimately, an end to the suffering of millions in this region,” WHO urged.
As violence continues to escalate, the fate of thousands remains uncertain, with global health agencies racing against time to prevent further loss of life.