The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement expresses concern over attack on Red Cross volunteers in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva, 5 June 2026 – The DRC Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are deeply shocked by the attack on Red Cross volunteers carrying out a safe and dignified burial operation in Bunia on 1 June 2026, as part of efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak.Several volunteers were injured in the violent incident while performing their humanitarian duties. We condemn this unacceptable act and express our solidarity and support for the affected volunteers and their families.Communities across the DRC face immense challenges as the Ebola outbreak continues to spread. We recognise the fear, uncertainty and frustration felt by many people. Building trust and maintaining dialogue with communities through community engagement remain essential to bringing the outbreak under control. Attacks against volunteers not only endanger lives, they also undermine efforts to contain the outbreak and protect communities.Red Cross volunteers are members of the communities they serve. Every day, they work alongside families and local leaders to help prevent the spread of Ebola, provide reliable information and support those affected by the outbreak. There is no justification for volunteers to be targeted, nor for humanitarian staff or the resources and infrastructure supporting the response.Safe and dignified burials are a vital part of the response to Ebola. The bodies of people who have died from Ebola remain highly infectious and, if not handled safely, can contribute to further spread of the disease. We understand that current procedures pose a challenge for communities wishing to maintain their funeral rites. We remain committed to balancing the public health imperative of containing the outbreak with respect for local customs, traditions and dignity.Misinformation and rumours fuel fear, undermine public health efforts and increase risks for both communities and humanitarian workers. Sustained engagement with communities and transparent communication are essential to addressing concerns, countering misinformation and building trust.The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement calls for respect, acceptance and support for volunteers working on the frontlines of the Ebola response. Despite the challenges, the Red Cross remains committed to working alongside communities, authorities and partners to help stop the outbreak, protect lives and support those affected.Note to editorsThe International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Neutral and independent, it comprises three main complementary components: the National Societies or Red Cross societies in each country, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The network’s mission is to protect the lives, dignity and health of people affected by armed conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies.For further information, please contact:Red Cross of the DRC:Kinshasa :Kally Maluku, +243 81 89 66 243 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):KinshasaCate Kamatu, +254 728 815 266Nairobi:    Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367 | Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 8396International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)Eléonore Asomani, [email protected] +221 78 186 46 87

IFRC delivers critical supplies to eastern DRC amid ongoing Ebola outbreak

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva,04June2026-The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)has deliveredon 3 Junea critical shipmentofSafe and Dignified Burial (SDB) kits and body bagstoBunia, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the ongoing Ebola outbreak continues to claim lives and strain already fragile health systems.Thisshipmentwas airlifted from Dubai to Entebbe (Uganda) andthendepartedfor Bunia by road on 29 May 2026. Itcontained13 SDB kits, supportingapproximately 300 safe and dignified burials. The land route from Entebbe to Bunia takes approximately seven days, underscoring the logistical complexity of reaching affected populations in this remote part of the country.A second shipment, pre-positioned in Kinshasa, is scheduled to arrive in Bunia by air within the week. With the airport now reopened, operational goods can be delivered more quickly. The cargo includes 10 SDB kits and 300 body bags.Theseshipments, part of a broader CHF 2.2 million procurement effort, willprovideoperational equipmentneeded by Red Cross teams tocontinue performingsafe and dignified burials,one of the most vital tools incontainingthe spread of Ebola.“EverySafe and Dignified Burialkit that arrives, and every burial conducted safely and respectfully, helps break a potential chain of transmission. Our volunteers are working in extraordinarily difficult conditions, and they need all the support we can provide, including these supplies, now,” said Bruno Michon, IFRC Ebola response Operations Manager in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Safe and dignified burials are not just a logistical task — they are a frontline public health intervention and an act of respect for families in their most painful moments. Getting these supplies to our teams in eastern DRC is a race against the virus.The IFRC calls onthe international community,donorsand partners to support the regional emergency appeal to ensure that communities in DRC and across the region receive the full scope of life-savingassistancethey urgently need.Link to photos: https://shared.ifrc.org/collections/~2e8af4bc27For more information or to set up an interview contact:[email protected] Kinshasa: Catherine Kamatu, +254 728 815 266In Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654  In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367 | Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 8396

Statement: IFRC saddened by the deaths of three DRC Red Cross Volunteers in Ituri Province

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva, 23 May 2026: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply saddened by the deaths of three volunteers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo Red Cross (DRC RC) in Mongbwalu branch, Djugu Territory, Ituri Province.We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, fellow volunteers and colleagues. We stand in solidarity with the DRC Red Cross during this difficult time.The volunteers — Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane — are believed to have contracted the Ebola virus on duty, while carrying out dead body management activities on 27 March as part of a humanitarian mission unrelated to Ebola. At the time of the intervention, the community was not aware of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, and the outbreak had not yet been identified. They are among the first known victims of the outbreak.The dates of death are as follows:Ajiko Chandiru Viviane – 5 MaySezabo Katanabo – 15 MayAlikana Udumusi Augustin – 16 MayThese volunteers lost their lives while serving their communities with courage and humanity.Their commitment reflects the extraordinary dedication shown every day by Red Cross volunteers working in complex and high-risk environments to support vulnerable people.The IFRC and the DRC Red Cross, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), remain committed to supporting affected communities and strengthening efforts to respond to the outbreak.For more information, please contact: [email protected] Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367 Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 8396

Ebola: IFRC scales up response in eastern DRC as regional risks grow

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva, 21 May 2026 — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is scaling up Ebola response efforts in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and neighbouring countries, and has launched a CHF 29 million regional emergency appeal.The Democratic Republic of the Congo Red Cross Society, supported by the IFRC, has deployed 200 volunteers in Bunia and Rwampara health zones to support community engagement and frontline public health activities.Red Cross volunteers are already going door-to-door in affected communities, helping families understand how Ebola spreads, countering misinformation, and encouraging early care-seeking when symptoms appear. A Red Cross radio programme is reinforcing these messages at a broader scale.Families are also being advised not to touch or wash the bodies of suspected Ebola victims, as this remains one of the most common routes of transmission during outbreaks. On the first day of activities, Red Cross volunteers reached 645 families.Ariel Kestens, IFRC Head of Delegation in Kinshasa, said: “The Bundibugyo strain is particularly concerning, as there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of treatments and vaccines developed for the Zaire strain. The outbreak is spreading rapidly in areas where health systems are already fragile and where population movement across borders is frequent. The priority now is to act quickly and work closely with communities, as the coming days are critical. We call on the international community to demonstrate solidarity and support the Red Cross Red Crescent’s lifesaving response.”Gregoire Mateso, National President of the DRC RC Secretary General in Kinshasa, said: “People are afraid, but when Red Cross volunteers provide clear information and offer practical support, communities are more likely to seek treatment promptly and follow preventive measures. This clearly demonstrates that our volunteers have earned the trust of the communities they serve, and this trust is essential to stopping the spread of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease.”The outbreak is spreading through areas already affected by insecurity, weak healthcare systems and constant population movement, complicating efforts to contain the virus.Fears of wider regional spread are also growing. Uganda has already confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases linked to the ongoing outbreak, while neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, are stepping up readiness efforts in high-risk border areas.Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General, Uganda Red Cross Society in Kampala, said: “We have placed our teams and volunteers on high alert and are retraining and preparing them for rapid deployment to support the national Ebola response. As Uganda Red Cross, our role is not only to support emergency health interventions, but also to stand with communities, strengthen public awareness, build trust, and help prevent further spread of the disease. We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and partners to ensure communities in high-risk areas receive timely support, accurate information, and lifesaving humanitarian assistance.”Previous Ebola outbreaks have shown that the chain of transmission can be broken faster when communities trust the response, seek care early and have access to reliable information and support.Urgent funding is needed to expand surveillance, deploy additional burial teams, deliver protective equipment and scale up frontline response efforts in affected communities and high-risk border areas.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Kinshasa: Jean-Michel Ntalemwa, +243 808 804 037In Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654  In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 8396

Africa: Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak 2026

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is rapidly escalating, with cases and deaths continuing to rise as the virus spreads across multiple provinces and into neighboring Uganda. Families and communities urgently need access to reliable health information, early detection, safe burials, and lifesaving public health support to prevent further transmission and protect overwhelmed health systems. Donate today to help the DRC and Uganda Red Cross Societies to provide life-saving assistance.Read more: IFRC delivers critical supplies to eastern DRC amid ongoing Ebola outbreak

Life after Ebola: The stories of survivors highlight the pain people have endured — and the work still to be done.

As Ebola in DRC declared over, IFRC calls for investment in community-based surveillance

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva – 5 December 2025— Following the Ministry of Health’s declaration that the 16th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is officially over, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for an urgent scale-up of community-based surveillance, stronger infection prevention and control, and long-term investment in local health systemsto prevent a resurgence.IFRC warns that the immediate post-outbreak period remains critical, particularly in communities already strained by cholera, mpox, and fragile health infrastructure. To reduce the risk of flare-ups, the DRC Red Cross, with support from IFRC and other National Societies, focuses on strengthening community-based surveillance to rapidly identify and report unusual illnesses or deaths.Ariel Kestens, IFRC Head of Country Cluster Delegation in Kinshasa, says:“Containing an Ebola outbreak is a critical milestone, but the real test begins now. Communities need continued support to detect health threats early. Investing in community-based surveillance, local health workers and stronger systems today is the best protection against potential outbreaks.”Communities remain central to stopping future flare-upsDRC Red Cross volunteers were instrumental in containing the outbreak and will remain at the forefront during the post-outbreak phase. Their ongoing work includes early detection, close coordination with local leaders, hygiene promotion, and countering misinformation, a community-driven approach especially vital in remote areas with limited formal health services.Gregoire Mateso, National President of the DRC Red Cross, says:“Frontline communities and Red Cross volunteers have once again demonstrated what early action can achieve. However, the cycle of epidemics will continue if there is no long-term investment. It is time to stop retreating and instead strengthen our preparedness based on the lessons learned.”During the outbreak, the DRC Red Cross conducted 118 safe and dignified burials and deployed more than 500 volunteers trained in epidemic control. Risk communication and community engagement activities reached over 236,000 people, and hygiene promotion and decontamination support benefited more than 78,000 people. The Red Cross also provided psychosocial support to 2,500 people, while national vaccination efforts immunized more than 47,500 individuals, demonstrating the crucial impact of local action in protecting communities.Need for stronger preparednessDespite swift containment, the outbreak exposed weaknesses in local health systems, including limited isolation capacity, shortages of protective equipment, and gaps in infection prevention and control. Concurrent cholera and mpox outbreaks further strained resources, while vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and displaced families, faced heightened risks.These gaps underline the urgency of long-term resilience and stronger community-based preparedness. The IFRC is calling on partners and donors to join efforts in scaling up community-based surveillance, strengthen infection prevention and control, reinforce water, sanitation, and hygiene systems, support and train local volunteers, the first responders in remote areas, and expand psychosocial and protection services.More informationTo request an interview, contact: [email protected] Kinshasa:Jean-Michel Ntalemwa: +243 999 842 933In Nairobi:Susan Mbalu: +254 733 827 654In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67Scott Craig: +41 76 370 35 75

Ebola in DRC: A race against time to save lives

IFRC appeals for CHF 20 million to stop deadly Ebola outbreak in DRC’s Kasai Province

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva – 22 September 2025 — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is appealing for 20 million Swiss francs to help contain the first Ebola outbreak to hit the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasaï province since 2008, before it spreads further and deepens an already deadly crisis.Ariel Kestens, IFRC Head of Delegation in Kinshasa says: “We’ve just received urgent updates from our volunteers and staff in Bulape, the epicentre of this outbreak. Health facilities are overwhelmed, essential supplies are not available, and the area is without power. Families are deeply anxious, especially as the virus is disproportionately affecting vulnerable people. The situation demands immediate action, every hour counts in our effort to protect lives and prevent further spread.”According to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ministry of Health, as of 18 September 2025 the provisional toll stands at 37 confirmed cases and 19 deaths including four health workers. It is concentrated in the Bulape and Mweka health zones, where reaching communities from Kinshasa can take three days by road. Health facilities are severely limited with the main isolation centre having few spaces for patients.The Bulape health zone is reporting the highest number of cases and deaths with most people affected aged 15 years and older. Health facilities are overwhelmed and do not have resources to provide care, with the only treatment centre already at 119% capacity.Volunteers are actively supporting families in Bulape and Mweka, where humanitarian needs remain acute. Health workers are operating under intense pressure, and essential resources, such as clean water and protective equipment, are nearing depletion. In response, efforts to scale up support are underway. However, additional resources are urgently needed to contain the outbreak and safeguard affected communities.The DRC is simultaneously battling Mpox, cholera and measles outbreaks, all while facing an economic and political crisis. These overlapping challenges are straining national resources and limiting response capacity. Without urgent resources, this Ebola resurgence could rapidly spread across already fragile communities.The outbreak disproportionately affects women, children and vulnerable groups. Schools in affected districts have closed, forcing more than 44,000 children out of classrooms, while traditional funerary practices, and stigma, and multiples crises are fuelling the risks of spread, displacement and gender-based violence. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the most affected. At least five HCWs have already been infected, with four reported deaths. However, vaccination of frontline health workers has started.Gregoire Mateso, President of the DRC Red Cross says:“Protecting health workers means protecting communities. The DRC needs urgent support, especially in remote and under-resourced areas. This is not just about Kasai – it’s about preventing another regional health crisis.”The Red Cross is already responding but the operation must urgently scale up. Volunteers have carried out safe and dignified burials to stop further spread, reached hundreds with trusted information through faith leaders and door-to-door visits. With health facilities overwhelmed and frontline workers already infected, urgent support is needed to expand vaccination, availability of protective equipment, hygiene measures, and psychosocial support for families.The IFRC emergency appeal for 20 million Swiss francs will support the DRC Red Cross in scaling up its Ebola response, aiming to reach 965,000 people with urgent assistance. The funding will strengthen critical activities such as safe and dignified burials, health worker protection, risk communication and community engagement, hygiene promotion surveillance, and psychosocial support. Already, the DRC Red Cross has reached more than 7,000 people with awareness-raising sessions.The IFRC and DRC Red Cross call on the international community to urgently mobilize resources and support to prevent the outbreak from spiralling further.Note to editors: Audiovisual materials of the emergency response are available for downloadFor more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] DRCJean-Michel Ntalemwa: +243 999 842 933In Nairobi:  Susan Mbalu: +254 733 827 654In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 Scott Craig: +41 76 370 35 75  

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ebola outbreak 2025

On 4 September 2025, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Kasai Province. The outbreak has spread to Bulape, Mweka, Mushenge, and Kakenge health zones. Most of those impacted are 15 years and older. With 680,000 people at immediate risk and more than 2 million at extended risk, the DRC Red Cross is on the ground delivering urgent assistance. With your donation, volunteers will carry out lifesaving activities including health and care, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), safe and dignified burials (SDB), and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Your support can make a difference. Donate now to help the DRC Red Cross protect lives and bring relief to communities in crisis.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ebola outbreak

Red Cross responds as deadly Ebola resurfaces in DRC’s Kasaï Province after 17 years

Nairobi/Geneva – 8 September 2025 — The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Kasaï Province. This marks the country’s 16th recorded Ebola epidemic and the first in this region since 2008.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in coordination with the DRC Red Cross, DRC Ministry of Health, WHO, and key humanitarian partners, is rapidly intensifying Ebola response efforts. Priority actions include deploying rapid response teams and volunteers within communities, strengthening surveillance and contact tracing, and initiating targeted vaccination for frontline workers and contacts. Over 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine are already pre-positioned in Kinshasa for immediate deployment.The outbreak was confirmed after the death of a 34-year-old pregnant woman on 20 August in Bulape health zone. This was followed by the deaths of a nurse and a laboratory technician who had treated her. According to Government figures, to date, 28 suspected cases, including 16 deaths, have been recorded—a fatality rate of 57%. Alarmingly, four of the deaths are among healthcare workers, underscoring the risks faced by frontline responders.Ariel Kestens, IFRC Kinshasa country cluster head of delegation, says:“Every hour matters when it comes to containing Ebola. Our priority is to protect healthcare workers, support communities with trusted information, and ensure life-saving resources reach those who need them most before the outbreak spreads further.”The outbreak is currently concentrated in the health zones of Bulape and Mweka in Kasaï Province, where serious operational challenges are hindering the response. Road access from Kinshasa takes up to three days, delaying the rapid deployment of teams and supplies, while the nearest isolation unit has only 15 beds—far below what is needed for the escalating caseload. Genetic sequencing has also confirmed that this Ebola strain is different from the one identified in Equateur between 2007 and 2009, complicating the response.Gregoire Mateso, President of the DRC Red Cross says:“DRC Red Cross volunteers aren’t just messengers, they’re trusted neighbors, working together with community leaders and local authorities, sharing accurate Ebola information through trusted, door-to-door dialogue, dispelling rumours, answering questions, and helping families stay safe.”The Ministry of Health has urged communities to remain vigilant, respect preventive measures, and report any suspected cases. The IFRC and its partners call on the international community to urgently mobilize resources to prevent the epidemic from worsening and spreading further. More information  To request an interview, contact: [email protected]   In DRC:  Jean-Michel Ntalemwa: +243 999 842 933  In Nairobi:  Cate Kamatu: +254 728 815 266 Susan Mbalu: +254 733 827 654  In Geneva:  Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67  Hannah Copeland: +41 76 236 9109 

From short-term aid to long-term strength: Launching Africa Zero Hunger

On 19 August 2025, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) officially launched the Africa Zero Hunger: United for Durable Solutionscampaign — a bold, Africa-wide movement to change the way we respond to food insecurity.Moderated by award-winning journalist Victoria Rubadiri, the virtual launch brought together policymakers, humanitarian leaders, grassroots innovators, and partners who share a common vision: a future where the communities hardest hit by food security can become part of the solution. Click here to watch the official launch of the Africa Zero Hunger campaign and hear experts discuss what durable, community-led solutions look like in action.Why Now?The numbers are staggering. Over 282 million people are undernourished in Sub-Saharan Africa, almost one-third of the world’s food-insecure population. In 2024 alone, 173 million people faced acute food insecurity or worse, with women and children disproportionately affected.This is not simply the result of bad harvests or temporary crises. It is the outcome of deep-rooted, structural challenges: climate shocks, violent conflict, displacement, and fragile food and social protection systems.But the crisis also presents an opportunity. It’s a chance to reset the humanitarian approach. Traditional aid models are struggling to leave a lasting impact, yet across Africa, communities are already designing, leading, and scaling solutions that work. The Zero Hunger Campaign aims to accelerate and replicate those efforts.Watch this video to learn more about the ongoing hunger emergency unfolding across AfricaWhat makes this campaign differentThe IFRC and its network of 191 National Societies, including more than 16 million volunteers globally, are uniquely positioned to bridge local knowledge and large-scale impact."It represents a turning point,” said Pierre Kremer, Deputy Regional Director, IFRC Africa. “It’s moving from short-term food aid to lasting, community-driven change. For Africa, it’s a rallying call to end hunger by harnessing local ingenuity, climate-smart practices, and sustainable livelihoods."From mothers’ clubs in Nigeria that reduce malnutrition at a fraction of the cost of traditional aid programs, to integrated food and livelihoods initiatives in Kenya that combine climate-smart farming with savings and health programs — the proof is already on the ground.The launch of the Zero Hunger Campaign is just the first step. Over the coming months, we will be publishing a regular newsletter that will bring you:Progress updates from the six launch countries: Kenya, Ethiopia, DRC, Mali, Nigeria, and ZimbabweSpotlights on local innovators — from women farmers to youth climate activists to volunteers on the groundEvidence and impact stories, showing how durable solutions are transforming livesOpportunities to get involvedSign up for the newsletter by clicking here.Our goal? To reach 60 million vulnerable people in 15 countries by 2030 and to prove that durable, locally-led solutions can be scaled sustainably.This is Africa’s moment to lead, but durable change requires collective action from governments, donors, private sector investors, civil society, media, and the African diaspora.Join us. Share the vision. Invest in durable solutions.Visit the campaign website to learn more, explore stories, and get involved.

Confronting alarming food insecurity trends in Africa: An expert’s view

Africa faces its most severe hunger crisis in decades. As of July 2025, over 282 million people, more than one in five, are affected, with entire regions pushed to the brink by climate shocks, economic instability, and conflict. From drought-stricken Southern Africa to famine-threatened communities in the East, the challenge is vast, but not insurmountable.As Gilbert Phiri, senior coordinator for the Africa region Zero Hunger Initiative at IFRC, explains, ending hunger will take more than emergency aid. It will require durable, community-led solutions designed to withstand future crises and empower people to feed themselves for generations to come.In this conversation, Gilbert shares the latest hunger trends across Africa, what makes a solution durable, and why community ownership is essential for scaling sustainable change.Understanding the crisisQ: What are the most critical hunger and malnutrition trends you’re seeing across Africa in 2025?A: Africa’s hunger and malnutrition crisis is growing more acute in 2025, propelled by interlinked climate, economic, and conflict-related shocks. Without immediate and coordinated global action, including investment in resilient food systems and targeted humanitarian aid, millions more are at risk of chronic hunger and life-threatening malnutrition.The most critical hunger and malnutrition trends across Africa in 2025 are deeply concerning, with indicators worsening in multiple regions despite some global improvements.Q: Could you highlight regional differences or hotspots?A: Almost no region is untouched:InWestandCentral Africa, over 52 million people face hunger during the 2025 lean season—an all-time high.Southern Africa: Countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Namibia are seeing up to 40 per cent of their populations in acute food insecurity due to drought, floods, and economic shocks.East Africa: Over 69 million people face acute food insecurity, half of the continent’s total undernourished population, according to the March 2025 update of the Food Security and Nutrition Working Group (FSNWG).Two other key Africa-wide analyses, from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification and the Global Report on Food Crises 2025 add that over 85 million people are highly food insecure in the East and Horn of Africa (including Sudan and South Sudan).In some countries, one in three children is malnourished. Somalia has the highest rates, but Chad, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, and Guinea-Bissau also exceed 30 per cent undernourishment.Q: What do recent statistics reveal about the scale of the crisis?A: As of July 2025, more than 307 million Africans—over 20 per cent of the continent’s population—are affected by hunger. Childhood stunting averages 30.7 per cent across Africa, with wasting (insufficient weight relative to a child’s age) at 6 per cent.In some countries, one in three children is malnourished. Somalia has the highest rates, but Chad, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, and Guinea-Bissau also exceed 30 per cent undernourishment.But addressing this crisis isn’t just about recognizing the scale of the need. A core aspect of the Zero Hunger Campaign is rethinking the way we respond to food insecurity.Defining durable solutionsQ: Durable solutions to addressing hunger can mean different things in different contexts. From your perspective, what are some of the core characteristics or principles that make a food security intervention ‘durable’?A: Durable solutions are those that are sustainable, systemic, and capable of withstanding future shocks induced by either conflict, climate change, or economic instability.Durable solutions require coordination, innovation, and inclusivity when addressing the root causes of hunger. They also build individual, community and agency resilience to food insecurity.Durable solutions must be:Sustainable and systemic – able to withstand future climate, conflict, and economic shocks.Locally led and scalable – driven by communities, designed for replication.Integrated – combining agriculture, social protection, and market access.Focused on livelihoods – diversifying income and building resilience.Q: How do these differ from short-term aid?A: Short-term aid saves lives in emergencies, but it’s temporary. Durable solutions tackle root causes, empower communities, and build systems that last. They combine health, education, agriculture, and economic development so that people can feed themselves year after year.An example of a project we’ve successfully replicated is the Village Model. In this project, households work together with support from the IFRC to improve food security, livelihoods, and resilience through shared resources, skills, and mutual support.Q: What makes durable solutions so impactful in these contexts?A: The attributes of a durable solution make it possible to transfer core methodologies and principles from one setting to another, adapting as needed for local success.An example of a project we’ve successfully replicated is the Village Model. In this project, households work together with support from the IFRC to improve food security, livelihoods, and resilience through shared resources, skills, and mutual support.By combining sustainable agriculture, savings groups, and social cohesion, it creates self-reliant villages capable of withstanding future shocks.Q: How important is community ownership when it comes to the success of these interventions?A: Community ownership and involvement are absolutely central to making zero hunger solutions both durable and scalable. When people design, manage, and adapt solutions themselves, they last longer and spread faster.In Rwanda, community-managed livestock schemes flourished because members reinvested in each other. In Nigeria, men began supporting mothers’ clubs after seeing tangible benefits for their households.Community-led approaches naturally foster replication and scale because they build confidence, local skills, and social structures that can extend successful models to new groups or regions. Strong community buy-in ensures that innovations are embraced, adapted, and promoted by local champions, creating a multiplier effect.What needs to happen nextQ: What support is most urgently needed to scale durable, community-led solutions?A:There is a significant financing gap—estimates indicate an additional $21–77 billion per year from public sources and much more from private sector investment is needed for food systems transformation in Africa.Current financial flows are insufficient to bridge this gap and reach all communities in need. Community-led models need multi-year, stable funding—not just short-term, crisis-driven aid—to allow them to take root, expand, and demonstrate impact over time.Other than that, we need enabling regulations, stronger government–community coordination, and expanded social protection programs, as well as training in climate-smart agriculture, organizational strengthening, and access to innovation and technology.The shift in thinking we hope to inspire all partners and stakeholders should move from asking: 'How can we feed people today?' to asking: 'How can we ensure people can feed themselves next year—and every year thereafter?'Q: If there’s one message for donors and partners, what is it?A: Sustainable, community-led solutions—not short-term fixes—are the only way to end hunger, and they require long-term, flexible investment and enabling policies to thrive.Too often, hunger responses rely on crisis-driven, one-off aid. While essential in emergencies, these don’t dismantle the root causes—poverty, fragile food systems, inequitable access to resources, and climate shocks.Durable, locally rooted approaches have already proven they can work, but they remain under-resourced and constrained by rigid funding cycles or policy barriers.The shift in thinking we hope to inspire all partners and stakeholders should move from asking:“How can we feed people today?”to asking:“How can we ensure people can feed themselves next year—and every year thereafter?”Join us in ending food insecurity in Africa. Explore the Africa Zero Hunger Campaign, share our stories, and be part of building resilient, self-reliant communities.

Burundi Red Cross respond to thousands fleeing conflict in the DRC

Bujumbura/Kinshasha/Geneva, 13 March –The Burundi Red Cross has set up a vital humanitarian service point at the Rugombo Stadium a few kilometres from the Democratic Republic of Congo border, providing shelter for almost 40,000 refugees - including nearly 18,000 children - fleeing the conflict there. A team of 500 Burundi Red Cross volunteers are providing first aid for people arriving after days of traumatic travel, in addition to mental health support, disinfectant spraying to prevent disease, sanitation including showers, latrines and hygiene products, mosquito nets, specific assistance for pregnant women and those with disabilities, bedding, clean drinking water and food.Red Cross ambulances are on standby, so far evacuating over 120 people requiring further medical treatment.In the vast crowds, children can become separated from loved ones, and a special on-site Red Cross team has helped reunite many distressed families.A team of swimmers are also stationed at the Rusizi River, a dangerous crossing point at the border of the DRC and Burundi, to reduce the risk of displaced people drowning as they make the desperate journey to safety.Expert spokespeople are available on the ground in Burundi, the DRC and Geneva.Pictures and video can be found here.For more information or to set up an interview contact: [email protected] Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 43 67 Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109

Red Cross calls for urgent funding to meet growing humanitarian needs in DRC

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva, 27 February – The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to escalate, with many facing displacement, food insecurity, and health risks. Over 21 million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance across the country, according to the UN OCHA Humanitarian Response Plan 2025.In response, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC Red Cross) are calling for urgent international support to address these growing humanitarian needs.The 50 million Swiss francs IFRC wide Emergency Appeal initially launched to support 500,000 people in North and South Kivu is now being expanded to provide immediate life-saving assistance to recently displaced Congolese refugees in Burundi.As fighting continues to force people from their homes at an alarming rate in Eastern DRC, nearly 300,000 people have fled from displacement camps around North Kivu and into Burundi. The closure of the Goma and Kavumu airports is also making humanitarian access more difficult.There is an urgent need for food, safe water, shelter and other basic needs. Red Cross volunteers have also been mobilized to help protect the public from the serious health risks posed by unburied bodies in conflict areas and to ensure dignified burials for those who have lost their lives.“In just the last 12 months, the DRC Red Cross with support from IFRC reached up to 100,000 displaced persons and their host communities with lifesaving food assistance while more than 370,000 individuals received essential household items including psychosocial support. We are grateful to our volunteers who have not slept for weeks for their commitment to stop the suffering in North and South Kivu. Yet the humanitarian situation remains dire”, said Grégoire Mateso Mbuta, President of the DRC Red Cross. “We need urgent support to scale up our response and provide life-saving aid to those in need.”Mercy Laker, IFRC’s Head of Country Delegation in Kinshasa said: “The humanitarian crisis in DR Congo is reaching a breaking point, the IFRC Emergency Appeal remains critically underfunded. Millions are in desperate need of food, shelter, and medical aid. Urgent funding is needed to avoid worse outcomes. We urge donors to act now—every second, every minute, every hour counts.”The IFRC calls for all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian law, ensuring safe access for humanitarian workers and the protection of civilians. Humanitarian workers need safe access to affected populations to provide essential aid.The IFRC urges governments, donors, and international partners to act swiftly to fund the Emergency Appeal to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.Notes for editors:Further details about the number of people reached by the DRC Red Cross are available in the latest update.For more information or to set up interview, please contact: [email protected] Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654In Dakar: Moustapha Diallo, +221 774501004In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 43 67, Scott Craig: +41 76 370 35 75  

Democratic Republic of the Congo: One too many humanitarian crises in North and South Kivu

Kinshasa/Goma, 17 February – The Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC Red Cross), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are gravely concerned by the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Kivu region of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the city of Goma. Thousands of civilians, including women and children and wounded and sick people, are bearing the brunt of the conflict.The latest clashes in and around Goma, the capital city of North Kivu, have forced hundreds of thousands of people in the city to flee, leaving everything behind. In addition, nearly 300,000 peoplewho had been taking refuge in camps for displaced people on the outskirts of Goma also had to flee the fighting, which left hundreds of bodies strewn in the streets. The ICRC is helping the DRC Red Cross to recover the bodies in Goma safely and with dignity.“We are very worried. Many of these people were already in a very vulnerable situation, having been forced from their homes elsewhere in North and South Kivu, sometimes repeatedly,” said Grégoire Mateso Mbuta, president of the DRC Red Cross. “The humanitarian situation is dire in Bukavu and Goma. In Goma, the morgues and hospitals are overwhelmed. Around 190 DRC Red Cross volunteers and a team of coordinators are working tirelessly to recover the bodies left in the streets, take measures to prevent epidemics and give the victims a dignified burial. In the face of so much need, more help must be provided urgently.”Volunteers from North and South Kivu are already hard at work providing this help. At the same time, the regional representatives of the DRC Red Cross are meeting to decide on, plan and coordinate their activities in collaboration with their partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and with the political and administrative authorities and other organizations.Many people have been wounded by the fighting and heavy artillery fire in such a densely populated area. In January 2025, ICRC-supported medical facilities in North and South Kivu treated around 1,400 wounded people – ten times more than in December 2024. Most were civilians and many were women and children.“Power lines were damaged, which left Goma without water and electricity. It is imperative that parties to the conflict abide by international humanitarian law and spare civilians and civilian objects. Health-care services must be respected and protected. In particular, the location of important laboratories, health centres and hospitals must be taken into account in the planning and conduct of hostilities,” said François Moreillon, the head of the ICRC’s delegation in the DRC.Many families have been separated in the chaos as they fled and are waiting anxiously to hear from loved ones they have lost contact with. The ICRC and local Red Cross volunteers are working together to help put these people back in touch and find out where they are and if they are well.The armed conflict’s return in October 2023 has resulted in a complex and unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The latest escalation, at the end of last year, has seen extraordinarily fierce fighting, causing unbearable suffering for thousands of people, who are urgently in need of life-saving aid.Since February 2024, the IFRC has been supporting the DRC Red Cross’s emergency operations to provide displaced people in eastern DRC with shelter, essential household items, cash-as-aid, health care, access to water, sanitation and hygiene, and other humanitarian services. The IFRC has also been supporting the National Society’s food aid programme, which since January 2025, has already helped nearly 95,000 displaced people and host families in North Kivu. However, already chronic food insecurity may get worse as the conflict intensifies.“There are already so many people struggling to meet their most basic needs. The longer the fighting goes on and the more it spreads, the more people will be affected and the harder it will be for them. The DRC Red Cross, the ICRC and the IFRC will continue providing vital aid to affected people, whether in urban or rural areas. But to do so, we need to ensure that our teams can work safely. Safe access should also be given to the other humanitarian organizations, so that they can provide essential aid that people so desperately need.”In addition to helping the DRC Red Cross recover the bodies of victims in Goma and Bukavu safely, properly and with dignity, the ICRC is also helping restore essential services, such as water and electricity, that went down because of the fighting. People who have lost contact with loved ones can also make free phone calls through the ICRC. The Spanish, French and Luxembourg Red Crosses are also on hand to provide help in Goma and elsewhere in North and South Kivu.More information: [email protected]: Francine Kongolo, +243 (0) 81 992 23 28,[email protected] Red Cross: Kally Maluku, +243818966 243,[email protected] (Africa): Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654Moustapha Diallo, +221 77 450 10 04

Mpox in DRC: How being prepared for epidemics leads to a more effective response

“The first symptom was fever. The next day, I noticed the appearance of spots. They burned like a rash. They spread everywhere on my body. I thought: what kind of disease is this?”Basele from Mbandaka, Équateur province is one of more than 8000 people confirmed to have caught mpox in DRC this year amid an alarming surge in cases. Fortunately, Basele was quickly pointed in the right direction by the DRC Red Cross to get the support she needed to recover and limit the spread of infection.“The Red Cross volunteers came to my home. They told me that the disease was contagious, that if someone in my family gets sick we can all become infected in our house. So we have to get off our feet and go to the hospital when the illness starts,” explains Basele.Mpox is the latest in a long line of epidemics to hit DRC, with the country suffering from recurrent outbreaks of cholera, Ebola and measles—among other diseases—in recent years.The DRC Red Cross has learned many lessons from responding to these health crises. And through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), with funding from USAID and technical support from IFRC, the National Society has done lots of work in recent years to prepare its volunteers, communities and partners to leap into action against mpox.Early detection, early action, healthier communitiesThrough the CP3 programme, more than 300 Red Cross volunteers in Équateur had already been trained in epidemic control and community-based surveillance (CBS)—gaining the knowledge, skills and tools needed to be able to rapidly detect and report potential mpox cases. Since the escalation of the epidemic, this training has been expanded and delivered to a further 700+ volunteers in the province.Together, these volunteers play a vital role in their communities finding people showing mpox symptoms, alerting local health authorities through a CBS system, and encouraging people to seek help at mpox treatment centres.“With regard to CP3, we work in close collaboration with Red Cross volunteers. They go out into the community, they look for sick people, they bring them to the health centre... we take care of them here at our mpox site,” explains Monique Itala Mulo, Head Nurse at Mama Elikya Referral Health Centre in Mbandaka.By quickly finding and reporting suspected mpox cases, and encouraging people to seek treatment, the risk of the disease spreading is reduced. The National Society and local health authorities also use the data collected through CBS to inform their response activities.Trust built over time enables wide reach and accessAs members of the communities they serve, DRC Red Cross volunteers are known and trusted by the local population in Équateur and benefit from wide reach and access. Before the current surge in mpox cases, volunteers were already reaching far and wide into communities to raise awareness about the disease and tell people to stay safe.“We go door-to-door to speak to people in their homes. We go to schools, we go to churches, we go to hot spots—markets, ports, entry points, checkpoints—any places where we can interact with the community. The community is starting to raise [mpox] alerts themselves. In other words, the impact is already positive,” says Dr Leblanc Monzeba, Head of Health Division in the Équateur branch of DRC Red Cross.Having already established deep and trusting relationships with communities, volunteers are able to effectively challenge mpox stigma and rumours that may prevent people from seeking help and convince people to adopt healthy behaviours, such as following good hygiene practices.According to Dr Leblanc, one particularly notable area of behaviour change observed is within the traditional healer community.“We held advocacy sessions with traditional healers to explain the importance of notifiying health authorities of people showing signs of mpox. Previously, the traditional healers would keep the patient at home. But now they are starting to pass on information, and when they see patients who present signs of mpox, they send them directly to the nearest health centre,” he explains.Strong partnerships lay the foundation for effective responseBefore the current surge in mpox cases, the DRC Red Cross had already established strong working relationships with government authorities and various stakeholders to prepare for epidemics and pandemics.“The Red Cross is our go-to partner during epidemics, just as we work together outside of an epidemic. We always collaborate,” says Dr Elaba Bibiche, Head Doctor in Mbandaka Health Zone.Thanks to its prior preparation and auxiliary role to health authorities, DRC Red Cross has been able to fit seamlessly into the government’s mpox response plan and intervene in clearly defined areas.Pre-existing relationships with various media outlets are also enabling DRC Red Cross to reach tens of thousands of people across the province with lifesaving health information."I've been partnering with the Red Cross for six years. We have a really good working relationship. They were the first organisation to start raising community awareness about mpox. We do programmes with their staff and volunteers, phone-in shows where people call in to ask questions about mpox and get the answers they need,” explains Trésor Ikonda, Director General at Radio Evangile Eternel in Équateur.As the response to mpox continues, and though significant challenges remain, DRC Red Cross staff and volunteers feel positive that their preparedness efforts are paying off as they strive to reduce the impact of the epidemic on communities.“The DRC Red Cross branch in Équateur has the capacity to manage epidemics thanks to the IFRC. Since 2018, we have faced a series of large epidemics in Équateur. It’s from the experience of managing other epidemics and from implementing the CP3 programme—which meant that we already had trained volunteers on the ground working in the different health zones—that we had the capacity to respond to mpox,” explains Colomban Mampunya, DRC Red Cross Équateur Branch President.--The activities featured in this article are part of the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3).  Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CP3 supports communities, National Societies and other partners to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to disease threats.USAID’s Bureau of Global Health has also provided additional support to IFRC and DRC Red Cross for mpox response activities.If you enjoyed this story and would like to learn more, sign up to the IFRC’s Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Newsletter or visit the DRC Red Cross website.

International Volunteer Day: Every day, volunteers like Ange bring ‘a first, life-saving response’

In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ange Mulanga and a team of fellow volunteers from the North Kivu Red Cross Branch deliver a rapid emergency response to a range of ongoing crises on a near daily basis.No matter what the emergency, they are there. They come to provide first-aid, water and shelter services, like they did for peopledisplaced by a volcanic eruption as happened in 2021. Or to help stop the spread ofMpox, Covid-19 or other infectious diseases, as they did multiple times in recent years.These days, Ange and her team are most often bringing critical support to some of the nearly 1.7 million people in her region that have been displaced by the ongoing, internal conflict.“After going out in the communities to make an assessment, we work rapidly to bring a first, life-saving response,” says Mulanga, a volunteer for the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (RCDRC) North Kivu Branch.“Generally, it’s a question of essential items. Household goods and bedding and medicine for the health centers, which are in the midst of receiving the displaced people.”But doing this job is rarely easy.In the area where Ange works, there is on-going fighting between government and armed groups, and tensions along ethnic and tribal lines. The places where people are most in need are often the very places where violence between these groups erupts. Humanitarian workers and other civilians are often caught in the crossfire.To bring humanitarian services to people living in these areas, Red Cross teams liaise with both government authorities and armed groups to ensure safe passage, and they communicate with local leaders so that everyone understands the Red Cross mission is purely humanitarian, independent and neutral.“It becomes a bit complicated,” says Ange.“Not only because one must prepare the response very quickly with the authorizations [of the government and armed groups], but one must also keep a positive relationship with community leaders and groups that can either facilitate or hinder relief efforts.“Sometimes it feels like we are going from one country to another,” she adds, referring to the work of gaining authorizations to pass roadblocks and enter areas controlled by different groups.One of manyAnge is not alone. She is just one of many dedicated volunteers in the DRC – and around the world – who take on critical jobs of helping people in very difficult situations. As the humanitarian world marks International Volunteer Day on Dec 5, the IFRC pays tribute to volunteers such as Ange who employ incredible professionalism, persistence and compassion as they bring humanity to people in exteremely vulnerable situations.In the case of North Kivu, the region has long been impacted by humanitarian crises, including violence, in neighboring Rwanda and nearby Burundi.In February 2024, the IFRC launched an emergency appeal following an increasing number of attacks in eastern DRC that led to a new round of large scale displacement. The appeal seeks 50 million Swiss Francs to support the DRC Red Cross in its provision of food assistance, health services, water, sanitation and hygiene and protection services to 500,000 displaced people and their host communities in North and South Kivu.Fighting in this area has severely hindered people's ability to access and cultivate crop lands, get supplies and deliver goods. Inflation has been further aggravated by the depreciation of the Congolese franc, leading to substantial price increases for food.Overcrowded camps for the people who have been displaced have left people in extremely desparate conditions. Women represent some 60 per cent of the total displaced population, and children under 5 account about 18 per cent.Sadly, volunteers such as Ange don’t always get the full support they need to carry out their work. The emergency appeal remains significantly underfunded, putting much of the planned emergency response in jeopardy, while various factors continue to get in the way of the volunteers’ work.Thanks to the reputation of the Red Cross, the power of the Red Cross brand and the dedications of the people like Ange, the branch volunteers do manage to make their response.“But it’s not always easy because unfortunately, on the ground, there are people who don’t understand that we are there just to help the displaced people,” Ange notes. In a situation in which nearly everyone is on one side or another, it is hard for many to believe that there are some people who remain independent, impartial and neutral.“Sometimes they ask us, ‘Are you really neutral?’ ” Ange continues.‘We couldn't touch the children’In addition to negotiating their way past roadblocks, doing the hard work of delivering relief supplies, setting up water stations or delivering health messages, they must also work constantly to battle the constant flow of misinformation.A case in point was the Covid-19 pandemic. “In my part of the world, people thought COVID-19 came because of Western people,” Ange noted. “So when we went to the villages to talk about COVID-19, and how to avoid it, and people saw our cars, they thought we were bringing them COVID.”This perception is somewhat understandable. Each time there is an outbreak, health and humanitarian workers arrive, often in rugged, white utility vehicles emblazoned with logos (including the Red Cross, to deliver vaccines, hygiene services and other interventions.Ange recalls when Red Cross teams went to one community to address malnutrition, some parents were wary of the Red Cross workers.“We couldn't touch the children,” Ange recalled. “Even the children started crying. We understood that to them, us touching the children was meaning us bringing COVID and other diseases including Ebola. Because even when Ebola struck, we were among the organizations that were very active in responding to that epidemic.”Addressing this challenge is not easy. A good portion of Red Cross and IFRC actions in situations like this one falls under something calledCommunity Engagement and Accountability, or CEA, in which volunteers listen to community concerns and develop regular feedback mechanisms to show people their concerns are being heard and addressed.The volunteers also take the time necessary to explain to people, through door-to-door visits, community gatherings and radio programmes, what the Red Cross is all about.“Communications is key,” Ange says. “But because there are no cell phone connections, no internet in many parts of North Kivu, getting the message out is difficult.”With these and other challenges that face volunteers every day, it is critical that they get the support, respect and protection they need and deserve.To learn more about volunteering within the IFRC network and our efforts to ensure respect for impartial, neutral humanitarian work please visit the following links:#ProtectHumanityInMemoriam: A list of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers killed in the line of duty.International Volunteers Day

One Health Day 2024: Protecting humans, animals and the environment for a healthier world for all

Up to 75 per cent of emerging infectious diseases that affect human beings start in animals. These are called ‘zoonotic’ diseases, and they can spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals or through food, water or the environment. Recent high-profile diseases that have spread from animals to humans include COVID-19, Ebola and mpox.And when our environment is polluted or not looked after properly, it can cause health problems in both animals and humans. For example, there is evidence that global warming is leading to more favourable conditions for a specific type of mosquito which carries the dengue virus to reproduce and thrive, and is even pushing them to new areas and countries that have never experienced dengue before.Taking a ‘One Health’ approachOne Health is an approach to health care that recognizes these close links between human, animal and environmental health, and considers how they affect one another.It involves governments and organizations working in these different areas coming together to better prepare for and respond to health challenges, such as epidemics and pandemics.Through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), many Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are taking a One Health approach to help communities prepare for, prevent and respond to disease outbreaks. And they’re supporting government health, agriculture and environmental departments—as well as key partners—to collaborate using a One Health approach, too.Let’s take a look at some examples.Training DRC’s next generation of nurses to be on the lookout for zoonotic diseasesIn the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the DRC Red Cross runs nursing schools across the country whose students go on to work in both the country’s public and private health system. Through the CP3 programme, the DRC Red Cross developed a special One Health learning module, which they piloted in two schools in Kinshasa and Maluku.Final year nursing students who took part in the pilot learned all about the intersection of human-animal-environmental health. They learned case definitions for different types of zoonotic diseases—from rabies to chikungunya—and how to effectively engage their communities on the risks and prevention measures for each disease. And they learned the principles of community-based surveillance (CBS), enabling them to quickly sound the alarm when unusual health events occur.The DRC government was so impressed with the pilot, they intend to roll the training out nationally to every nursing school in the country, believing that the sooner nurses learn about One Health and how to work effectively with animal and environmental counterparts, the better for the country’s health security.Knowledge is power: raising community awareness of environmental and animal health risksThere are lots of simple steps communities can take to reduce disease risks linked to animals and the environment. Through the CP3 programme, National Societies are engaging and motivating communities to take action.For example, in Kenya, Red Cross volunteers are teaching people how to recognize the signs of anthrax—a serious and potentially deadly infectious disease that can spread from animals, usually livestock, to humans. They’re encouraging communities to avoid handling any animals that die in unusual circumstances, report any cases immediately to volunteers or animal health authorities, and thoroughly disinfect contaminated areas. They’re also supporting vaccination efforts to make sure people know when, where and why to vaccinate their animals—making breakthroughs even within remote and vaccine-hesitant communities.And in Indonesia, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) runs regular clean-up events to help communities reduce the risks of dengue in their local environment. People come together to inspect and drain stagnant water reservoirs, properly cover and seal drinking water supplies, and sweep up litter and debris. These steps all minimize potential mosquito breeding sites. Teamed with personal protective measures, such as wearing mosquito repellent and using bed nets, these simple steps can greatly decrease the risk of catching dengue fever, and help families stay healthy.Bringing the government together for One Health action in GuineaThrough the CP3 programme, the Guinea Red Cross has been supporting the government at the national, regional and community level to adopt a One Health approach in order to strengthen the country’s health system.They’ve been facilitating regular meetings with government agencies and stakeholders working in human, animal and environmental health to discuss existing and emerging disease threats, plan vaccination campaigns for both human and animal populations, and collaborate on environmental management. For priority zoonotic diseases, such as rabies in particular, the Guinea Red Cross has been instrumental in informing and protecting communities, and rapidly alerting human and animal health authorities when a bite incident occurs.These are just a few of the many examples of how taking a One Health approach can lead to a healthier world. By working together to keep animals and our shared environment healthy, we can help humans to be healthier and safer, too.---The activities featured in this article are part of the multi-country Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3).  Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CP3 has supported communities, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other partners in seven countries since 2018 to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to disease threats. In October 2024, the programme is expanding to six new countries—Burundi, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Tajikistan, Thailand and Zambia—where it will continue to implement a One Health approach among National Societies, partners and governments.If you enjoyed this story and would like to learn more, sign up to the IFRC’s Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Newsletter 

Mpox: Saving lives by bringing the mpox message directly to the people

Known to some in her community as ‘Mama Eyenga’, Eyenga Bamboko is one of many volunteers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who are leading the fight against mpox in their local communities.Interviewed in the Lingala language in her home city of Mbandaka, she talks about the work volunteers have been doing to protect people from infection and prevent unnecessary deaths among those who do get ill.“My name is Eyenga Bamboko and I'm a first aider and I've been with the Red Cross movement for nearly two years.Colleagues from Kinshasa came to train us as part of CP3 [Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme] so that we could go out into the field and raise people’s awareness on mpox, even before the disease had spread. We were trained intensively on the disease before it even existed in the region.And then mpox arrived. We observed a few cases. We reported these suspected cases to the provincial health authorities. We told them that we had observed cases as we had been trained. They took them to hospital.But the problem was that, in the beginning, we lost a lot of people. Because many people didn't want to believe in this illness. Some thought it was witchcraft, others said it was a curse or traditional illness.A lot of people died because they didn't go to hospital, they went to see the witchdoctors instead. By the time they did get to hospital, it was often too late. We found that those who went to hospital straight away were cured. But those who arrived late were the ones who succumbed to the disease.'I'm going to tell Mama Eyenga’We tried to help the stronger ones recover and we started to raise awareness in the community. Now many people have started going to hospital. They come to see us to say ‘Mama Eyenga, what you said the other day [about mpox], we have seen.’ Sometimes we go and we see that it is exactly that [a suspected mpox case].We ask people to go to hospital, telling them that they will be looked after free of charge, so that we can protect the rest of the family in the home before they too became infected. They are really starting to understand.We're encountering a lot of difficulties in the field. Many people still don't want to believe in this disease. And you can see that a lot of hospitals are overwhelmed at the moment. But we're not going to stop raising awareness.In my own home, I've seen a real change. Especially when it comes to hand washing. When my grandchildren want to play or eat they make their brothers and sisters aware and they say ‘if you don't wash your hands, I'm going to tell Mama Eyenga’. Even at school, they also raise awareness among their friends and classmates.At first, my husband and children didn’t agree with me volunteering. They thought I worked too much and there’s a risk of me getting sick. But now they don’t ask any more questions because they’ve understood that I am helping the community.”Read more about mpox and the IFRC network’s response:What is mpox? Your questions answeredIFRC’s regional mpox emergency appealRed Cross mpox response in the Republic of CongoProfile of Red Cross volunteer Helene: 'I have no choice but to go and try to save lives.'

What is mpox? Your questions answered.

Mpox is not the next global pandemic like COVID-19, according to public health officials. But the spread of mpox is alarming health experts as it spreads to more countries in East Africa. The mpox epidemic must be addressed quickly and effectively in order to avoid a larger global spread.With more than 17,000 suspected or confirmed cases and more than 500 deaths in at least 12 countries in Africa, the epidemic has already surpassed mpox outbreaks of previous years. But mpox can be contained through a combination of education, protection measures, prompt medical attention and coordinated action from local, national and international organizations. Here are some answers to common questions about mpox.What is mpox and how is it spread?Mpox is a viral illness caused by the mpox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus, which is related to smallpox but less severe. Previously known as ‘monkeypox’, the name waschanged to mpox by the WHO in late 2022 due to stigma associated with its former name.Mpox is not new. The first case in humans was recorded in 1970 and the disease is considered endemic in West and Central Africa. Historically there have been two broad variations or ‘clades’ of mpox:Clade 1: The oldest form of the virus, this variation typically causes more serious illness and death and is endemic in Central Africa. It is spread through contact with infected wild animals and through close human contact. Children seem to be more at risk.Clade 2: This clade caused a global mpox outbreak in 2022. Infections tend to be less severe. Reported cases since 2022 are mainly, but not exclusively, among men who have sex with men and their close contacts. This clade is endemic in West Africa. In September 2023, a new clade emerged – clade 1b – which has rapidly spread in adults through sexual contact and in children through household contact, and is one of the main reasons for mpox being declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.Clade 1b has already spread to countries with no previous reported cases of mpox: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. A high number of clade 1b cases in DRC and Burundi are among children, demonstrating the disease isn’t only spreading through sexual contact.What are the symptoms of mpox?The most common clinical symptoms are rash, discomfort, sore throat, fever, lymph node swelling, skin lesionsand lack of appetite.Many patients have experienced a single lesion or sore in their mouth or on their genitals, which could be mistaken for herpes, syphilis, staph infection, or acne.While mpox rash is typically more concentrated on the face, trunk, palms of the hands and soles of the feet, mouth or oral mucous lesions are found in up to 70 percent of cases.How deadly is mpox?“Most people fully recover from mpox, but some get very sick,”explains Gwen Eamer, IFRC Senior Officer for Public Health in Emergencies.“People who exhibit symptoms should see a doctor, as medical attention and treatment can drastically reduce the severity of the infection.”“Mpox can be a stigmatizing disease due to its physical appearance, but we should stay calm and be part of solution by working together to get the necessary resources and help to the people who need it most.”Who is most at risk of severe illness from mpox?People with suppressed immune systems, children, young adults who have not received a smallpox vaccine, and pregnant women are most at-risk of severe disease from mpox.How can I protect myself from mpox?To reduce your risks, stay informed and up-to-date on the signs and symptoms of mpox, how it spreads, and what to do if you get sick. You should also monitor the risk level in your area.Mpox can be prevented by avoiding close contact, including sexual contact, with infected people and animals.If you suspect you have mpox, seek medical attention as soon as possible.If you are confirmed to have mpox:Follow medical advice, including taking any prescribed medicationInform people you have been in contact with, or follow contact tracing guidelines from your country’s health authoritiesStay at home and avoid physical contact with other people until all scabs fall off and new skin forms underneathCover lesions and wear a well-fitting mask when around other peopleWatch this short Mpox explainer video on YouTube:How serious is this mpox outbreak?In mid-August, the WHO determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa is a ‘public health emergency of international concern’, requiring a coordinated international response.“That does not mean this is going to be a pandemic like COVID-19,”Eamer adds. “But this is a call to action to dedicate the resources we have around the world to stop this where it is now.”The situation is alarming with the rapid spread among newly at-risk populations, and to areas and countries that have never experienced mpox before.The case fatality rate is also higher compared to the 2022 pandemic and it could increase if more children and other high-risk populations are infected, but decreases with early access to supportive treatment and vaccination.What is the IFRC doing in response to the mpox outbreak?The IFRC is ramping up response efforts over the surge of mpox cases across Africa. The IFRC has extensive experience managing previous disease outbreaks, such as Ebola and COVID-19.With a vast network of more than 4 million volunteers and 14,000 staff across the continent, the IFRC network of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies is providing critical support to governments, including community-based surveillance, risk communication and community engagement, and mental health services.The IFRC has also launched an CHF40 million regional emergency appeal to bolster mpox preparedness and response across Africa, with CHF 5 million provided through the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) as a loan to this regional emergency appeal. This funding will help us reach 30 million people in countries with an active outbreak, including DRC and neighbouring countries at high risk of the virus spreading further.In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country reporting the most mpox cases, how is the DRC Red Cross responding? In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Red Cross has been supporting the government response by sharing trusted and accurate health information with communities, conducting community-based surveillance to detect and report suspected cases, providing psychosocial support to affected people, and supporting with community-based health and hygiene promotion measures.Through theCommunity Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3)and theProgrammatic Partnershipthe DRC Red Cross (with technical support from IFRC and French Red Cross) has been building health resilience in communities across the country for many years, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to quickly detect, prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.USAID has also provided additional funding since April to support the DRC Red Cross response to mpox.What are Red Cross Societies in countries neighbouring DRC doing to control the outbreak?National Societies in neighbouring countries are now responding to their first cases of mpox and are rapidly scaling support to communities. They are working to help detect and respond to new cases to reduce illness and deaths and limit the spread of the virus.Burundi Red Cross is supporting their Ministry of Health to respond to the rapid increase in mpox cases with support from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).I’m from a Red Cross or Red Crescent National Society, what mpox resources can I use within my community or country?The IFRC’sEpidemic Control Toolkit provides guidance on evidence-based methods to prevent and control the spread of epidemics at the community-level, and guidance on appropriate referral and basic care for the sick.Guidance on mpox for community volunteers and for response managers has been recently updated and is available in multiple languages.In addition, here are some other helpful resources:IFRC: Community-based surveillance resourcesWHO: Clinical management and Infection Prevention Control for mpox (interim guidelines, June 2022)Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Reducing stigma in mpox communication and community engagementIFRC: Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) Toolkit

IFRC and DRC Red Cross grieve drowning of volunteer working on mpox response

The IFRC and the DRC Red Cross sadly confirm the tragic death of Jean Florent Mosebi on 23 August 2024, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after his boat capsized.Jean was a dedicated Red Cross volunteer involved in the mpox response in Equateur province. He reportedly drowned while on a mission, crossing from one Health Zone to another. As a community-based surveillance (CBS) focal point for the Wangata health zone, he had been temporarily deployed to Lukolela health zone to support the mpox response.The IFRC and DRC Red Cross extend their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Jean Florent Mosebi at DRC Red Cross.Since the beginning of the year, the IFRC network has lost 30 volunteers and staff while on duty — 27 due to violence, 3 in accidents.The loss of our staff and volunteers highlights the significant risks faced in providing essential humanitarian assistance in hard-to-reach areas.

IFRC announces CHF 40 million appeal as Africa faces surge in mpox cases

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva – 23 August 2024 – The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an CHF40 million regional emergency appeal to bolster mpox preparedness and response across Africa, with CHF 5 million provided through the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) as a loan to this regional emergency appeal.This funding will help us reach 30 million people in countries with an active outbreak, including DRC and neighbouring countries at high risk of the virus spreading further.Mohammed Omer Mukhier, IFRC Regional Director says:“It’s a serious situation that could potentially spread like wildfire across the continent and beyond, if we don’t act fast. We have already ramped up our mpox response in DRC which is bearing the brunt of this mpox outbreak putting its neighbours at high risk.”The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the epicentre of a rapidly escalating mpox epidemic. The virus is now in all 26 provinces of the DRC, with different variants (‘clades’) being spread simultaneously. Alarmingly, cross-border transmission from the DRC’s eastern regions, particularly North and South Kivu, is rising, affecting non-endemic countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Meanwhile, outbreaks in endemic countries such as Nigeria, Central African Republic, South Africa and Cote d’Ivoire are re-emerging or escalating. This marks the first time that sustained transmission of multiple variants is being reported concurrently both endemic and non-endemic regions across Africa.Dr Irene Kiiza, IFRC, Manager - Africa, Health and Care in Disaster and Climate Crises says:“We are quickly deploying available resources to focus on hotspots like DRC and Burundi, but we need more to ensure the virus is contained. Our priority is to curb the spread of the virus through community-based surveillance, contact tracing, mental health support and targeted interventions partnering with local health authorities and communities.”In response to this crisis, the DRC Red Cross has intensified its efforts. Leveraging skills and strategies honed through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) with USAID and the Programmatic Partnership with the European Union, DRC Red Cross volunteers are actively engaged in health information dissemination, community-based surveillance, and the provision of psychosocial support. USAID also provided additional funding since April 2024 to support the DRC Red Cross response to mpox in Equateur, one of the hardest hit provinces.Mercy Laker, IFRC Head of Country Cluster Delegation, Kinshasa:“We have been working in the mpox response as well as other disease outbreaks such as Ebola and COVID-19. Our team, including staff and volunteers, are on the ground, helping keep communities safe during this tough time. The funding from the appeal will help boost our operations in DRC and Burundi.”In Burundi, the government has a comprehensive response plan to tackle the ongoing health crisis. With more than 100 active cases, the Burundi MOH is focused on boosting the capacity of health facilities and laboratories nationwide, while the Burundi Red Cross is providing direct support to affected communities to ensure they are aware of the risks and can access the care available.Through this appeal, the IFRC will strengthen African National Societies’ capabilities to fulfil their auxiliary role and support national governments in enhancing disease surveillance, providing community health education, providing care and support for mpox patients - and delivering psychosocial support. The response will be tiered, with specific interventions tailored to the level of outbreak in each country including heightened risk case importation, imported cases and established mpox transmission.More information There is more on the Emergency Appeal on this page.  To request an interview, contact: [email protected]  In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 Andrew Thomas: +41 76 367 65 87 In Nairobi: Susan Nzisa Mbalu: +254 733 827 654In Goma:Gracia Dunia: +243 813 274 794

Africa Region: Mpox Epidemic

A worrying surge in mpox cases and deaths in 2024 is being observed in Africa, with over 17,000 cases and 500 deaths across at least 12 countries in 2024, representing a 160 per cent and 19 per cent increase in cases and deaths, respectively, in comparison to the same period of 2023. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the epicenter of this epidemic with 92 per cent of the total cases in the Africa region. Cases have now been reported in all 26 provinces of the DRC. Cross-border transmission from the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu to non-endemic countries is on the rise, especially into Burundi, but also into Rwanda and Uganda as well as Kenya. Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the continent are liaising with their respective Ministries to support their preparedness and response plans. Please donate now and join us in making a meaningful difference for the 30 million people supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in this response.