Democratic Republic of the Congo

Despite a declared ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, frequent lapses in commitments and a dangerous security vacuum leave civilians vulnerable to ongoing attacks.

In the eastern provinces of Ituri and North and South Kivu, intensified armed clashes have forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, while mounting drone attacks are also spreading terror. The situation makes it increasingly difficult to ensure safe births and provide care for survivors of sexual violence, with access to these and other essential sexual and reproductive health services severely restricted.

Adding to the challenges, an Ebola outbreak is unfolding in eastern DRC, in areas already strained by conflict, displacement and fragile health systems. In addition to putting lives at risk, the outbreak is disrupting ongoing maternal health services, and, as with every crisis, will exacerbate the risk of gender-based violence.

Gender-based violence linked to the ongoing conflict has escalated sharply, with high rates of exploitation and coercion reported across the eastern provinces, driven by minimal protection in crowded displacement camps, widespread hunger and a lack of livelihood opportunities.

Humanitarian access is severely constrained due to ongoing instability. Assistance has also been hampered by bureaucratic restrictions and bank closures in the city of Goma in North Kivu and surrounding areas, leading to cash shortages and critical deficits of medicines and health supplies. While current humanitarian efforts remain essential, they are insufficient and compounded by significant funding challenges.

In response to the Ebola outbreak, UNFPA is supporting infection prevention and control measures in health facilities and working to ensure that reproductive health services continue. UNFPA is also engaging with communities to raise awareness of preventative measures and counter misinformation, and providing screenings and referrals for pregnant women and survivors of gender-based violence, in line with Ebola protocols.

UNFPA is also working with the government and partners to deliver life-saving assistance to displaced women and girls across the country. Essential medicines and supplies are being distributed to health facilities, while midwives and mobile teams have been deployed to displacement camps to ensure access to maternal health services, including emergency obstetric and newborn care. Safe spaces for women and girls are being established and supported, and a hotline is in place to connect survivors of gender-based violence with the medical, psychosocial and legal support they need.

Updated 16 June 2026