Dual Burden of Conflicts and Healthcare Collapse in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Call for Action
Emile Cyubahiro, Darius BenimanaABSTRACT
Background
Healthcare is protected under international humanitarian law through principles such as civilian–combatant distinction and necessity. However, rising attacks on medical personnel and facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) represent serious violations of these laws, threatening uninterrupted care and undermining basic human rights.
Objective
This narrative review synthesizes literature to highlight the compounded public health impact of ongoing conflict and health system collapse in the DRC to guide context‐sensitive interventions and policy actions for sustainable recovery.
Methods
This narrative review synthesizes data up to 2025 from peer‐reviewed journals, accessed through PubMed, Google Scholar, World Health Organization (WHO), and World Bank databases, and other sources.
Results
At the time of this study, ongoing conflict in the DRC, especially in the eastern provinces, has severely undermined healthcare access. Armed violence has led to the complete destruction of over 70 health facilities in North Kivu and partial destruction of 15 facilities in South Kivu, displacement of 7.3 million people, and disrupted vaccination campaigns, worsening cholera, Mpox, malaria, and measles outbreaks. Maternal and child mortality remain high due to insecurity, destroyed maternity centers, and limited antenatal care. Over 25% of the population faces severe food insecurity, with over 2 million children acutely malnourished. Insecurity, aid worker attacks, poor infrastructure, corruption, weak coordination, and donor fatigue hinder sustained recovery.
Conclusion
The DRC faces a critical health crisis driven by conflict and healthcare system collapse. Urgent global action is required to protect health services, support frontline workers, and restore peace. Although some humanitarian responses have been implemented, sustainable, coordinated, context‐sensitive interventions and long‐term investments remain essential to uphold human rights and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.