EYESON CONGO 
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has once again raised concerns about the worsening health system in North Kivu province, which is currently under the influence of the Rwandan-supported AFC/M23 rebellion.
In a report released on Tuesday, June 17, covering the timeframe from April to May 2025, the organization highlights that this decline is attributed to armed conflict, insecurity, economic struggles, and a significant drop in funding for humanitarian efforts.
“If immediate action is not taken, the lives of thousands could be at risk. Currently, with severely limited access to healthcare and medications, the likelihood of individuals in North or South Kivu dying from a gunshot wound or even simple diarrhea has reached unprecedented levels,” stated François Moreillon, head of the ICRC delegation in the DRC.
The collected statistical data indicate a looming risk of a partial collapse of the healthcare system in the most vulnerable areas, which could have dire consequences for millions. The ICRC’s report also notes that in the first quarter of 2025, many medical facilities reported a 50% decrease in consultations for children under five compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, the number of vaccinated children has dropped significantly, from over 67,000 in the first quarter of 2023 to just 29,000 in 2025.
During the first quarter of 2025, ICRC-supported hospitals treated 2,351 individuals with weapon-related injuries, nearly matching the total number of cases treated throughout all of 2024, marking a 172% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The severe cut in funding for humanitarian organizations has greatly affected the availability of medicines, resulting in the reduction or suspension of activities by numerous organizations. The ICRC urges all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law (IHL), which mandates the safeguarding of access to healthcare during armed conflicts. Concerning the situation in the Kivu region, it insists that prompt and concrete actions be taken to ensure these laws are upheld.
