• In North Kivu, authorities report that cholera cases have increased by almost 40% since last week

  • From January to mid-March of this year, there has been an increase of almost 614 more cholera cases than during the same period in 2024

  • 25.6 million people in DRC are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity

  • In Minova, South Kivu, 69 suspected cases of Mpox and 33 cases of cholera were documented within the first half of February alone

  • Malaria cases have also surged, with nearly 4,000 reported during the same period. Stock-outs of antimalarial drugs and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), are compounding this rapid increase

  • Almost 95% of health infrastructure in Kirotshe, one of the worst affected territories in North Kivu, is no longer operational

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is deeply concerned by the catastrophic deterioration of health services and humanitarian conditions, including an alarming cholera outbreak in North and South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, following widespread violence and looting.

In Kirotshe, North Kivu, nearly all health infrastructures have been destroyed or looted, with 29 out of 31 health centers left inoperable. This devastation has severely undermined the capacity of local health systems to respond to urgent medical needs. Even where families are able to afford healthcare, this ongoing crisis is compounded by an alarming shortage of basic medical supplies, including delivery kits, dressing kits, and personal protective equipment (PPE) and pharmaceuticals which are vital for maintaining adequate health care standards.

In addition to the collapse of medical infrastructure, the lack of proper water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Waste management systems, latrines, and showers remain inadequate, posing significant risks for the spread of diseases like cholera and further undermine efforts to curb preventable deaths.

On March 9, health authorities reported 242 cases of cholera and 10 deaths in the Ruzizi and Uvira health zones over the past week. The Ruzizi cholera treatment center is facing a severe shortage of supplies, while the constant influx of patients is further aggravating the situation. The epidemic is spreading rapidly through the community. In North Kivu, the authorities report an increase of almost 40% in cholera cases compared with the previous week. In less than a week, more than 650 cases have been recorded. The city of Goma and the health zones of Nyirangongo and Kirotshe are the hardest hit.

In order to address the cholera outbreak, IRC has deployed water, sanitation and hygiene services in Goma and Kahele, aimed at improving access to drinking water and sanitation services for vulnerable communities.

Freddy Malembe, IRC Senior Emergency Coordinator, said:

"The destruction of health facilities and the resulting scarcity of medical resources are pushing communities into a dire situation. People who rely on these services for their survival are being left without the care they need, and this is only worsening an already fragile health situation. The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, and the people of Kirotshe and Minova need urgent assistance to prevent a full-scale humanitarian disaster. The humanitarian situation in the DRC is another example of why it is so critical for donors to ensure local responders have the resources needed to mitigate suffering and prevent further loss of life.

“The IRC is committed to continuing its efforts in supporting vulnerable communities in the DRC. Now more than ever, we urge access to aid barriers to be removed and warring parties to cease hostilities in order to prevent further loss of life.”

About IRC in DRC

IRC, with nearly three decades of commitment in the DRC, is intensifying its emergency efforts in collaboration with local and international partners, targeting health, access to water, hygiene and sanitation. IRC has been operating in the DRC since 1996. We provide emergency aid to people affected by recurrent crises while promoting governance and social cohesion within communities.  We also offer essential health services, including primary healthcare, infection prevention and control services, as well as water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services. We strengthen violence prevention through comprehensive interventions, including psychosocial support, economic recovery, ensuring access to essential services, such as legal and medical assistance,  particularly in eastern DRC, which is facing an unprecedented protection crisis. The IRC works in Kinshasa, North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika.

 

Notes to editors: