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The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains catastrophic, with ongoing violence from armed groups exacerbating displacement and overwhelming an already fragile health system in the eastern regions, particularly in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. For decades, the eastern DRC has been at the epicenter of one of the world’s most complex and protracted humanitarian crises, driven by armed conflicts between nonstate armed groups and the FARDC, large-scale displacement, and the resurgence of epidemics and natural disasters such as the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo, landslides, and floods.
As of December 2024, 6.9 million people were displaced across the country, a number expected to rise. In North Kivu alone, by May 2024, 1.77 million people had fled due to attacks from the M23 rebel group. By November 2024, over 940,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were residing in 29 organized sites across the province, with thousands more in spontaneous settlements or with host families (source: OCHA). These newly displaced populations are living in precarious conditions, often in makeshift shelters near Goma city, but surrounded by non-state armed groups (NSAGs). As a result, they are highly vulnerable to disease outbreaks such as Mpox, cholera, and measles, as well as acute malnutrition due to increasing food insecurity. The displacement has also disrupted education for children and heightened protection risks, including gender-based violence. Furthermore, many areas remain inaccessible due to logistical and security challenges, limiting the IDPs' access to essential health services.
WHO’s Efforts to Save Lives of Affected Populations in Eastern DRC
In response to this complex crisis, WHO has been at the forefront of efforts to address the urgent health needs of affected populations in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The organization has implemented a comprehensive project with four key areas of intervention:
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Coordination and Partner Engagement
WHO has strengthened coordination efforts and fostered collaboration with national, regional, and global partners. This includes boosting communication and visibility of WHO’s actions in the provinces of North Kivu (covering Nyiragongo, Karisimbi, and Goma health zones) and South Kivu (Minova health zone).
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Prevention and Epidemic Response
WHO has reinforced strategies for disease prevention, early warning, detection, and response, leveraging support from all levels of the organization to combat epidemics and prevent the spread of diseases with epidemic potential, including cholera, measles, and Mpox.
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Rapid Health Emergency Response
WHO has mounted a swift response to acute health emergencies, mobilizing both national and international clinical resources to provide immediate healthcare to affected populations.
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Strengthening Health Services in Conflict-Affected Areas
WHO is committed to maintaining and enhancing essential health services in conflict-affected regions, including mental health support and services for genderbased violence (GBV) in emergencies, in line with WHO’s guidance at national, regional, and global levels.
Impact of WHO’s Interventions
In response to the recent escalation of violence and the increasing health needs in late 2023,
WHO has significantly increased access to primary healthcare for IDPs. This includes recruiting 18 health professionals, including six doctors and twelve nurses, to work in three health centers located near IDP camps in the Goma health zones. As of December 2024, WHO’s health teams have provided primary care to over 9,500 IDPs. Furthermore, the organization has delivered 58 tons of medical supplies and equipment to health centers and provided grants to the Goma General Referral Hospital and Virunga General Referral Hospital.
WHO-supported teams have conducted extensive surveillance, revealing critical health challenges. In total, 268 cases of GBV were identified, alongside 1,197 antenatal consultations, 237 pregnancies managed, and 130 deliveries. Among the 9,488 patients treated, 454 (4.8%) required hospitalization, while 8,641 (91.1%) were treated on an outpatient basis, and 393 (4.1%) were transferred to general referral hospitals for specialized care. In addition, 250 suspected cases of Mpox, 153 suspected cases of cholera, and 3 suspected cases of measles were identified, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
WHO also provided psychological support to 184 IDPs, including 164 women and 20 men, to address issues such as GBV (72 cases), depression (39 cases), and traumatic stress (31 cases).
Contributing to Health System Resilience
In addition to emergency medical care, WHO has played a critical role in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the region. This includes the establishment of temporary health facilities and isolation centers. For example, WHO has set up a 24/7 medical clinic and a Mpox treatment center at the Lushagala 2 IDP camp, which also offers mental health services and psychosocial support to address the trauma of displacement. At the Bushagara IDP site, WHO has set up a psychological care unit to support newly arrived IDPs.
A displaced resident shared, “Before this clinic, many of us couldn’t access any care.
Now, we feel supported and less alone.”
WHO Headquarters, Africa Regional Office, and Country Office Mission to North and South Kivu
A series of visits by the WHO Headquarters, Africa Regional Office (AFRO), and country office team to North Kivu highlighted the urgent health needs and ongoing healthcare interventions for displaced populations. The team visited the Bushagara and Kanyarushinya Mpox Treatment Centers, providing critical care to those affected by Mpox. They also visited the mobile medical clinic at the Lushagala 2 IDP camp, bringing healthcare directly to vulnerable communities. The ongoing construction of a new Mpox Treatment Centre at Lushagala 2 underscores the region’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure in response to emerging health threats.
The delegation also visited key healthcare facilities serving IDPs, including the Bulengo IDP camp, Munguga Healthcare Facility, the Christian Centre on Lake Kivu, and Eden Medical Centre. These WHO-supported facilities are vital in addressing the immediate medical needs of displaced populations, offering both treatment and preventive care.
In appreciation of WHO’s work in the east of Kivu, Grace, a displaced mother at Lushagala 2 IDP camp, expressed her gratitude: “I arrived here with my children after we lost everything in the conflict. The health services provided by WHO have saved our lives.”
The mission concluded with a debriefing session with the WHO team in North Kivu, where challenges were reviewed, and strategies to improve healthcare delivery were discussed. In South Kivu, the WHO delegation visited the Bushaku 2 IDP camps in Kalehe territory, along with the Lwiro and Nyatende Mpox treatment centers, to assess the integration of the Mpox response with the broader humanitarian crisis. The team engaged with administrative health authorities and local partners to understand the difficulties faced. Security constraints and difficult geographical access are significant challenges for humanitarian teams. Moreover, the lack of humanitarian actors in certain areas of South Kivu further exposes vulnerable IDPs fleeing the conflict in North Kivu.
Dr. Balde stated, “The resilience of the Congolese people inspires our mission. We are committed to ensuring no one is left behind, even in the most challenging circumstances.”
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the significant progress made, WHO’s operations in DRC face ongoing logistical and security challenges. Ongoing armed conflicts and restricted access to remote areas hinder the delivery of essential health services. To address these gaps, WHO is intensifying its coordination with local and international partners, increasing the capacity of health workers, and raising awareness about epidemic-prone diseases.
WHO’s Commitment to the Future of Health in Eastern DRC
WHO’s operations in North Kivu and South Kivu are a testament to the organization's commitment to addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations in conflict zones. By focusing on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, responding rapidly to health emergencies, and partnering with local and international actors, WHO is making significant strides in improving the health outcomes for internally displaced persons and other affected communities. While challenges persist, the ongoing efforts by WHO and its partners in eastern DRC offer hope for a healthier and more resilient future for the people of the region. WHO will continue to build on its successes and adapt its strategies to address emerging health threats, ensuring that all displaced persons, no matter their circumstances, have access to the essential health services they need.