And with nearly seven million people in force by violence since the progress of M23 Rebels at the start of this year, the DRC is faced with one of the most complex travel crises in the world, according to the United Nations Migration Agency (OIM).
Living in overcrowded and subressource camps, displaced populations are increasingly vulnerable both to diseases and attacks.
Since January 2025 only, more than 660,000 people have been forced to flee the Goma region after government forces have lost control of the key city with Bukavu in the south.
Tilting point
The extent of humanitarian needs in the country has reached a tilting point, according to the IOM, with epidemics of MPOX and Anthrax in progress in the East.
Although MPOX and Anthrax generally affect cattle and other animals, food insecurity resulting from the current conflict, associated with unhealthy living conditions in travel camps, puts humans at a greater risk of transmission.
Dangerous infections
The two potentially deadly infections can be contracted by contact with infected or contaminated animals. Although the anthrax is generally not contagious, MPOX is, the World Health Organization (WHO) underlines.
MPOX is generally accompanied by fever and rash and rarely requires hospitalization, while all human cases of Anthrax do so, added the United Nations Health Agency.
Since March 22, after the deaths of dozens of buffaloes and hippopotamia in Virunga National Park from anthrax poisoning, 16 suspicious cases of anthrax have been reported, including a confirmed case. A person has died so far.
Response to the epidemic
Which performs evaluations in the eastern part of the DRC to determine the risk of infection against anthrax spreading more in the region.
As Mpox and Anthrax are treatable with antibiotics and avoidable by vaccination, WHO and its partners work to prevent future epidemics by adopting a unified approach, by prioritizing human, animal and environmental security.
Awareness campaigns and efforts to vaccinate cattle against anthrax are now underway.
