DR Congo Faces Measles Surge Amidst Conflict and Healthcare Challenges
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and disruptions to healthcare services. Health professionals in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces are urging for catch-up vaccination campaigns to reach children who have missed their measles vaccinations.
Conflict Hinders Vaccination Efforts
The conflict involving the M23 armed group is a major driver of the outbreak. Jean-Gilbert Ndong, medical coordinator for Doctors Without Borders (MSF), explains that the fighting causes population displacement, closure of health facilities, and restrictions on aid delivery, including vaccine supplies. Specifically, the closure of the Goma airport hinders the transport of essential vaccination inputs.
Epidemiologist Justin Bengehya, head of the health information office at the South Kivu Provincial Health Division, confirms that many children have not been adequately vaccinated due to these disruptions. “Children have not been sufficiently vaccinated,” he stated.
“Having a vaccination coverage rate of less than 100% explains why there are so many sick children, because they have not been vaccinated.”
Joseph Matundanya, PEV, South Kivu
Vaccination schedules require a first dose at nine months and a second at fifteen months, but displacement prevents mothers from bringing their children for the second dose.
Logistical Hurdles and Rising Case Numbers
Restrictions on humanitarian operations at Bukavu and Goma airports force aid convoys from Kinshasa to take longer, more expensive routes, delaying deliveries and straining limited resources, according to Ndong.
As of 2025, MSF has recorded over 82,869 suspected measles cases and 1,175 deaths across the DRC. In South Kivu province alone, 600 measles cases and four deaths were reported in the seventh epidemiological week (February 9-15, 2026), bringing the total to 3,060 cases and 14 deaths since the beginning of the year.
Complications and Contributing Factors
Ndong emphasizes that measles can lead to life-threatening complications like pneumonia and brain inflammation, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Access to healthcare and sufficient supplies for treatment are also significant challenges.
Bengehya notes that cases and deaths are concentrated in hard-to-reach health zones like Kitutu, Mulungu, and Minova, where proactive positioning of treatment kits was lacking.
The vaccination coverage rate in South Kivu province was 80% in 2025, considered low. Joseph Matundanya, head of the Expanded Programme on Vaccination (PEV) in South Kivu, points out that the province’s underestimated population size exacerbates the problem.
Malnutrition is also a contributing factor, as malnourished children are more susceptible to measles. Luc Nkolamulume Bazibuhe, a public health researcher and physician at Malkia wa Amani Hospital in Bukavu, highlights the link between conflict, food insecurity, and weakened immune systems.
Addressing the Crisis: Vaccination and System Strengthening
Experts agree that improving access to vaccination services, particularly in conflict-affected areas, is crucial. Strengthening the acceptance of vaccination within communities and consolidating the healthcare system to improve measles detection and management are also essential.
The South Kivu Provincial Health Division has received a shipment of medicines from UNICEF to supply 11 of the province’s 34 health zones. However, accessibility remains a challenge for the most remote areas.
A measles vaccination campaign is planned for March in the seven most affected health zones, including the introduction of a new vaccine offering protection against both measles and rubella.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is causing the measles outbreak in the DRC? The outbreak is driven by conflict-related displacement, disruptions to healthcare services, and low vaccination coverage.
- What are the complications of measles? Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- What is being done to address the outbreak? Vaccination campaigns are planned, and efforts are underway to improve access to healthcare and supplies.
- Why is malnutrition a factor? Malnourished children have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to contracting and experiencing severe complications from measles.
Pro Tip: Ensure your children are up-to-date on their vaccinations, especially when traveling to or living in areas with ongoing outbreaks.
What are your thoughts on the challenges facing healthcare systems in conflict zones? Share your comments below!
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