The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with a fast-escalating health emergency, as cholera infections surge across the country, now compounded by a nationwide health workers’ strike, a resurgence of mpox, and deteriorating humanitarian access due to ongoing armed conflict.
Health Minister Roger Kamba recently announced at a press briefing in Kinshasa that the country had recorded over 33,000 cholera cases since January 2025, surpassing last year’s total of 31,749.
“The fatality rate stands at nearly two percent. This means we are in the acute phase of the epidemic, which is still on the rise,” he warned.
The outbreak has now reached 17 out of the DRC’s 26 provinces, an increase from 14 just one day earlier. Among the newly affected areas are Kwilu, Mai-Ndombe, and Mongala.
Kinshasa, the capital city, has become one of the epicenters, with confirmed or suspected cases reported in 27 of its 35 health zones. Roughly 130 new cases are being recorded weekly, many resulting in fatalities.
In response, the government has begun opening new treatment centers and is providing free care to those affected.
“You know our country is one where epidemics often emerge, due to a combination of factors, some natural, others not, such as disasters and mass displacement of people,” Kamba said, underlining the country’s vulnerability.
South Kivu province remains one of the worst-hit regions, particularly in Uvira city, which has served as the temporary administrative center since M23 rebels took control of Bukavu earlier this year.
Conflict has severely restricted the delivery of medical supplies, forcing aid organizations to reroute emergency materials through Kalemie, over 300 kilometers away, causing delays worsened by limited transportation options.
Sanitation remains a key challenge in many areas, especially in riverine communities. The WHO identified Tshopo province as an early outbreak site, where poor hygiene and open defecation in ports have fueled the spread.
Simultaneously, the country is also contending with a growing mpox crisis. The DRC accounts for 60 percent of all confirmed mpox cases and 40 percent of reported deaths globally.
Amid this public health turmoil, the Free Doctors’ Union (SYLIMED) declared a nationwide strike, citing the government’s failure to fulfill prior agreements.
“The government must provide ammunition to its health fighters. If it refuses to acknowledge their precarious conditions, doctors will simply give up. That is exactly what we have done,” said SYLIMED Secretary-General Andre Kasongo.
With health workers withdrawing and outbreaks accelerating, the DRC’s already fragile health system faces its most daunting test in years.
