Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing an increasing number of epidemics this year, with measles and cholera—two deadly and highly contagious diseases—of particular concern. These outbreaks occur at a time of escalating violence and insecurity in the country, as well as broader fears of how recent cuts to international humanitarian aid will impact the situation. Resources to contain these epidemics are already dramatically insufficient.
Measles and cholera have been spreading across DRC for months now. By the beginning of July, over 36,150 suspected measles cases and 565 deaths were reported in nearly all of the country's 26 provinces, while 33,864 people had been affected by cholera, resulting in 757 deaths.
While the DRC has experienced more widespread epidemics in the past, the acute shortage of resources and vaccines—as well as logistical and security challenges in the eastern regions—make the current situation particularly complex and concerning.
“The DRC is facing shortages of several vaccines, including measles and cholera,” says Emmanuel Lampaert, a representative for Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the country. "A shortage of measles vaccines for routine activities is also feared. Everywhere, our teams are facing the same situation. Everything is lacking. And outbreaks are multiplying."
In Lomera, South Kivu, an emergency vaccination program set up to deal with the cholera outbreak has not even managed to administer one dose of the vaccine per person. Two doses are required for optimum protection, but supplies are vastly insufficient.
MSF launches emergency intervention
In the first half of 2025, MSF launched more than 20 emergency interventions to support the Ministry of Health in tackling epidemic outbreaks. These interventions made it possible to vaccinate over 437,000 children against measles and treat more than 5,430 patients with the disease across areas including North and South Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, North-Ubangi, Sankuru, and Grand Katanga. At the same time, almost 12,800 patients were treated for cholera, and more than 11,000 people were vaccinated against the disease.
However, the conditions in which we’re operating are often suboptimal, and it is difficult to cut the chains of transmission.
“In Businga, in North Ubangi province, there was a severe shortage of measles vaccines and no electricity, which is crucial for refrigerating the vaccines,” explains Dr. Thomas Holibanga, head of MSF's emergency response in Businga. "We therefore had to do everything we could to guarantee the cold chain and transport the vaccines to areas sometimes located more than 180 kilometers [112 miles] from the zone's central office. The local authorities didn't have the necessary logistics: motorcycles, pirogues, speedboats."
From left: MSF nurse Ezekiel Balibuno cares for a patient at a makeshift treatment center amid an ongoing cholera outbreak in Lomera, South Kivu; MSF distributes water purification tablets to curb the disease. DR Congo 2025 © Sam Bradpiece/MSF
In Lomera, where there is a lack of cholera vaccines, poor hygiene conditions are facilitating the spread of the disease. “Without sustainable investment in access to drinking water and the implementation of an effective waste management system, cholera will continue to wreak havoc,” explains Dr. Luiza Suarez, MSF medical coordinator in South Kivu. “It is essential that the authorities and partners step up their efforts to guarantee adequate water, hygiene, and sanitation services in order to prevent epidemic outbreaks sustainably.”
Insecurity is an aggravating factor in epidemics
The insecurity and fighting in eastern DRC are also contributing to the rise in epidemic outbreaks, and make the delivery of vaccines and medical supplies extremely difficult. In Bambo and Masisi in North Kivu province, for instance, MSF-supported vaccination campaigns have been delayed due to fighting. However, the security situation in the east does not only affect areas directly impacted by fighting. For months now, the closure of Bukavu and Goma airports has blocked the main route for vaccines to eastern DRC. As a result, stocks that are usually flown in from Kinshasa have rapidly run out.
The authorities and some United Nations agencies have set up initiatives to replenish stocks, but delivering supplies requires much greater logistical and financial resources. This is happening at a time when overall humanitarian funding is being sharply reduced, raising major fears for the future of DRC.
“The epidemiological situation, coupled with international budget cuts, is extremely concerning,” says Lampaert. “We call on political and administrative authorities, as well as international partners, to do everything in their power to mitigate the risk of the situation deteriorating further. This includes reopening the airports in Goma and Bukavu and ensuring the safety of air and land transport. This is urgent to enable an effective response to the multiple emergencies currently impacting the country.”
