DR Congo Displacement, Health Crisis Worsens Amid Dwindling Aid Access
Published: February 14, 2025, 12:00 AM
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – The displacement and health crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is deteriorating rapidly as access to humanitarian aid becomes increasingly limited, according to a new report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Displacement Crisis
Renewed fighting in the eastern DRC provinces of North Kivu and Ituri has forced over 100,000 people to flee their homes in recent weeks, bringing the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country to over 6 million. Many IDPs are seeking refuge in overcrowded camps and host communities, where they face severe shortages of food, water, shelter, and sanitation.
Health Crisis
The displacement crisis has exacerbated the health crisis in the DRC, which is already grappling with several outbreaks of deadly diseases. Measles, cholera, and yellow fever are all spreading rapidly in displacement camps, where malnutrition and overcrowding create ideal conditions for disease transmission.
Limited Aid Access
“The worsening security situation is severely hampering our ability to deliver life-saving assistance to those in need,” said David Gressly, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC. “Armed groups are blocking access to key areas, threatening aid workers, and looting supplies.”
In the past few weeks, several aid convoys have been attacked by armed groups, and aid workers have been forced to suspend operations in some areas. The lack of access is leaving desperate communities without essential services, medicines, and food.
International Appeal
The OCHA report calls on the international community to provide more funding and support to humanitarian organizations working in the DRC. The report also urges the government and armed groups to respect international humanitarian law and ensure safe access for aid workers.
“The situation in the DRC is a tragedy and we cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Congolese people,” said Gressly. “We need immediate action to address the displacement crisis and health emergency, and to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most.”
DR Congo displacement, health crisis worsens amid dwindling aid access
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