Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic on the Congo (DRC) faces an escalating humanitarian crisis, with hunger surging in conflict-hit eastern provinces.

A total of 26.5 million people face acute food insecurity, including 2.65 million people in 48 Ebola-affected health zones. Nearly half of all children under 5 – a total 3.2 million – are stunted due to chronic malnutrition, with impaired growth and development.

The resurgence of Ebola in eastern DRC is deeply alarming: this is now the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak on record, with more than 2,000 deaths since the outbreak was declared in mid-May 2026. Ebola is not just a health crisis – it disrupts markets, livelihoods and people’s movement.

The World Food Programme is working with the Government of DRC, WHO and partners to support a coordinated response – facilitating the movement of responders, medical supplies, telecommunications equipment and cargo into hard-to-reach areas.

This outbreak compounds the pre-existing humanitarian emergency, with persistent violence in the east continuing to drive millions of people from their homes and leave them without reliable access to food.

There are also other overlapping health emergencies in addition to the Ebola outbreak – including cholera, malaria and Mpox outbreaks – along with flooding and landslides that have destroyed crops and critical infrastructure. 

WFP delivers critical food and nutrition assistance, prioritizing the most food-insecure communities. Yet access challenges and funding shortfalls remain key challenges.

WFP urgently requires US$229 million to sustain emergency operations until December 2026.