More than 70 healthcare facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have been damaged or destroyed as ongoing violence severely disrupts medical services, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Friday.
Speaking at a UN briefing, WHO Representative Boureima Hama Sambo described the situation as “tense and volatile,” with hospitals struggling to cope with rising casualties and disease outbreaks. In North Kivu alone, at least 3,082 people have been injured and 843 killed, while attacks on medical centers have forced health workers to flee. Some WHO-supported clinics have been occupied by armed groups, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The conflict has also fueled the spread of infectious diseases. Cholera cases in North Kivu have surged, with nearly 600 suspected infections and 14 deaths recorded in January. Efforts to contain mpox have been severely disrupted, with 90% of patients fleeing isolation units. Malaria, measles, and tuberculosis cases are also rising, while access to treatment for chronic illnesses has become increasingly difficult.
Malnutrition is another growing concern, with over a quarter of the population facing acute food insecurity.
The WHO has issued an urgent appeal for $50 million to maintain its response efforts. The situation has been further complicated by the U.S. decision to freeze foreign aid, which WHO says has significantly impacted relief operations. Last year, the U.S. funded up to 70% of Congo’s humanitarian response and played a key role in mpox containment efforts, including pledging a million vaccine doses.
The latest surge in violence erupted last month when M23 rebels launched an offensive against government forces in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The conflict has left more than 900 people dead and nearly 3,000 injured. Thousands have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda, including staff from international organizations such as the UN and World Bank.
On Monday, M23 rebels declared a unilateral ceasefire after weeks of fighting for control of Goma.