Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic on the Congo (DRC) faces an escalating humanitarian crisis, with acute food insecurity and emergency levels of hunger surging in conflict-hit eastern provinces.

A total of 26.5 million people nationwide are projected to face crisis levels of food insecurity or worse by early 2026, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

The resurgence of Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is deeply concerning and requires urgent coordinated action. The World Food Programme (WFP) has mobilized immediately, and is working closely with the Government of DRC, WHO and partners to support a coordinated response.

Persistent violence in the east also continues to drive millions of people from their homes, leaving them without reliable access to food.

The hunger crisis is particularly severe in North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika, where 3.6 million people are expected to face emergency levels of food insecurity,

Nationwide, nearly half of all children under 5 – a total 3.2 million – are stunted due to chronic malnutrition, with impaired growth and development.

The devastating impact of conflict is compounded by 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$214 million to sustain emergency operations until October 2026.