Democratic Republic of the Congo

The health system in the DRC faces severe structural challenges, compounded by complex humanitarian crises and recurring public health emergencies. Primary and secondary healthcare services have very limited coverage in humanitarian zones, and in 2024, less than half of vulnerable individuals affected by crises received emergency health assistance. Mobile healthcare strategies are urgently needed to bridge the gap in service delivery. The country is highly susceptible to epidemics due to low vaccination coverage and limited community-based epidemiological surveillance. Major outbreaks include cholera, measles, and Mpox, alongside the persistent threat of Ebola.

Key challenges include a shortage of qualified healthcare workers, inconsistent medical supplies, financial and geographic barriers, and frequent attacks on health facilities. Critical gaps exist in maternal and neonatal care, mental health services, and HIV treatment. The health system lacks referral and evacuation mechanisms, further jeopardizing lives.

Failure to act will result in soaring preventable deaths, untreated trauma by populations affected by humanitarian crises, collapsed health services, and escalating regional and global health risks. [1]

[1] DRC HNRP 2025 

The information displayed here is updated in reference to the Health Cluster dashboard, in quarterly periods.

Map disclaimer: Data source: WHO. Map production: WHO/Health Emergencies Programme. @ WHO 2021. All rights reserved.

Alou Badara Traore
Health Cluster Coordinator
traoreal@who.int

National team: 3
Coordinator: 1 FT
Information management officer: 1 FT 1 PT
Public health officer: 0
Communications officer: 0
Subnational hubs: 4

Partners: 155
International NGOs: 56
National NGOs: 79
UN agencies: 6
National authorities: 7
Donors: 5
Observers: 2