Summary
Over 200 health centers in eastern Congo are running low on medicines due to ongoing conflict and insufficient humanitarian aid, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The shortage affects more than 80% of the facilities in the provinces of North and South Kivu, where fighting with the M23 rebels has disrupted supply lines.
Key Facts
- Over 200 health facilities in eastern Congo lack medicines due to conflict and funding issues.
- The ICRC assessed 240 health centers in North and South Kivu provinces.
- The M23 rebel group has advanced significantly this year, worsening the situation.
- Difficulty crossing war zones prevents medicine delivery, even when supplies are available.
- Essential medicines for malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis are in short supply.
- The lack of funding has forced many humanitarian groups to reduce or halt operations.
- More than 80% of health facilities rely solely on the dedication of their staff.
- Rebel violence in the east has led to approximately 3,000 deaths and displaced around 7 million people this year.
