Humanitarian Health Action

Democratic Republic of the Congo

A forgotten humanitarian crisis

The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo desperately need help. People are dying every day from diseases we can prevent and treat.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo - a forgotten crisis

Gender-based violence - healing wounds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Together we make a difference

In less than five years, more than 3 million people have died - most from preventable and treatable diseases. The public health infrastructure is virtually broken down. The risk of epidemics remains high. Without international support to restore basic health care services, the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will only continue to worsen.

Deaths from treatable disease

Over 1000 people die every day as a result of the conflict and 98% of these deaths are due to diseases we can prevent and treat.

Children in complex emergencies

6 out of 10 children do not reach their 5th birthday.

Malaria

Malaria is a killer: over 400 children die every day and almost half of them from malaria.

Sexual and other forms of gender-based violence in crises

At least 400 000 people have been subjected to sexual and gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

We have a chance to change this

The World Health Organization is working with partners to make a difference. Please encourage your government to help us.

WHO action

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO works with the government and partners to make sure more and more people can reach doctors and health centers. WHO helps to prevent and manage diseases such as malaria, polio and other communicable diseases. WHO ensures the many partners working in health are addressing the most urgent health needs of the people. WHO is helping the Democratic Republic of the Congo to transition from a crisis country to one where the people are able to support themselves.

More information

Democratic Republic of the Congo