Surge of Cholera, Mpox, and Measles in Eastern Congo: Oxfam Reports Humanitarian Crisis

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a rapid increase in infectious diseases, with cholera, mpox, and measles cases on the rise. Oxfam has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating humanitarian situation, citing ongoing violence and recent cuts to funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as significant factors contributing to the collapse of health services.

According to Oxfam, the number of cholera infections in January alone surged to over 3,850, resulting in 67 fatalities--three times the death toll of the previous month. The organization also reported escalating cases of mpox and measles, with local partners documenting 326 cholera cases, 269 mpox cases, and 95 measles cases in just one week in North Kivu.

The crisis is compounded by a severe lack of medical facilities, including testing centers and hospitals, and the destruction of refugee camps and essential water and sanitation infrastructure. These conditions have left millions vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Oxfam has highlighted that the recent budget cuts from USAID pose an immediate threat to the lives of 7.8 million internally displaced persons who are already struggling to secure food, water, and shelter. USAID was previously the largest donor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and many humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam, rely on these funds to provide life-saving assistance.

As the situation worsens, the call for urgent international support grows louder, with organizations emphasizing the need for comprehensive humanitarian aid to address the escalating health crisis and provide necessary resources to affected populations.