DR Congo Displacement, Health Crisis Worsens Amid Dwindling Aid Access
14 February 2025, Kinshasa – The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worsening as ongoing violence and conflict continue to displace thousands of people and hamper aid access, according to a new report released today.
The report, issued by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), highlights the dire situation facing displaced populations in the eastern DRC, where ongoing fighting between government forces and armed groups has forced more than 5.5 million people from their homes.
“The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is one of the most severe and neglected in the world,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. “Years of conflict and violence have created an immense humanitarian toll, leaving millions of people in need of food, shelter, healthcare and other life-saving assistance.”
The report paints a grim picture of the health crisis facing displaced populations in the DRC. Over 2.5 million people are currently facing severe food insecurity, and more than 1 million children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition.
“The lack of access to healthcare is particularly alarming,” said Laerke. “In many displaced communities, there are no functioning health centers or medical staff. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in preventable diseases such as malaria, measles and diarrhea.”
Access to aid is also a major challenge in the DRC. Insecurity and active conflict zones make it difficult for humanitarian organizations to reach displaced populations with assistance.
“We are extremely concerned by the dwindling access to aid in the DRC,” said Laerke. “This is putting millions of lives at risk and making it impossible for us to provide the humanitarian assistance that is desperately needed.”
The report calls for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in the DRC. It urges international donors to increase funding for humanitarian assistance and for the government of the DRC to improve access to aid in conflict-affected areas.
“We need to see a concerted effort from all parties to end the violence and create a safe environment for humanitarian assistance,” said Laerke. “The people of the DRC have been suffering for far too long. They need our help now.”
Key Findings of the Report
- Over 5.5 million people are displaced in the DRC due to conflict and violence.
- More than 2.5 million people are facing severe food insecurity.
- Over 1 million children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition.
- Access to healthcare is severely limited in many displaced communities.
- Insecurity and active conflict zones are hampering aid access.
- International donors are urged to increase funding for humanitarian assistance.
- The government of the DRC is called upon to improve access to aid in conflict-affected areas.
DR Congo displacement, health crisis worsens amid dwindling aid access
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