Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – More than 80% of healthcare facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have run out of essential medicines, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warns.
Conflict between government troops, militias, and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels has crippled healthcare access. Thousands are dead and millions displaced since January.
“This dire situation stems from armed violence and lack of humanitarian funding,” the ICRC said after assessing 240 facilities in North and South Kivu.
Eighty-five per cent of clinics reported critical medicine shortages; nearly 40% lacked medical staff. Many receive wounded civilians crossing dangerous front lines only to find empty pharmacies.
“Essential medicines like vaccines, antimalarial drugs, and HIV test kits are often unavailable,” said Francois Moreillon, ICRC’s DRC head.
Aid organisations have suspended operations due to insecurity and funding gaps, leaving hospitals “inundated with casualties” from continuous fighting.
Moreillon praised frontline workers who “keep services running despite no support.”
The ICRC calls for urgent international action to restore funding, protect health workers, and reopen supply lines.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 