Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised concerns that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could overshadow equally critical measles and cholera epidemics in the region.

Between January and July 19, DRC reported over 108,643 suspected measles cases with 1,394 deaths, more than half of which were in North and South Kivu provinces. Cholera cases during the same period exceeded 35,464, resulting in 1,051 fatalities, with nearly 15,000 cases concentrated in these conflict-affected areas.

The persistent violence in North and South Kivu has displaced communities, disrupted vaccination efforts, and limited access to healthcare, clean water, and essential services, exacerbating the spread of these diseases.

MSF’s Response and Challenges

  • MSF has conducted six measles outbreak interventions, treating over 12,050 patients and vaccinating upwards of 283,150 children.
  • Cholera treatment efforts include care for more than 2,410 patients, notably in Goma where response teams were active from May to early August.
  • The Ebola outbreak, with over 4,500 cases and 2,100 deaths, has deterred many from seeking medical care, delaying treatment for other illnesses.

Joshua Eckley, MSF Head of Programmes in South Kivu, emphasized that while Ebola is a major emergency, other health crises persist daily, including injuries from conflict and sexual violence survivors requiring care.

Malaria and Funding Concerns

MSF also highlighted malaria as the leading cause of illness in DRC. There are worries that North Kivu may be excluded from the upcoming Global Fund malaria financing cycle, threatening resources for a disease that causes more deaths than Ebola.

"It would be a tragic paradox to channel significant resources to Ebola while weakening efforts against malaria," said Dr. Yvan Mbangi, MSF Deputy Medical Coordinator in Goma.

Call for Integrated Health Response

MSF urges government authorities, donors, and humanitarian agencies to ensure balanced support across all health emergencies in North and South Kivu. They stress the necessity of addressing Ebola alongside measles, cholera, malaria, and broader community health needs affected by conflict.

Eckley concluded, "It is vital that all emergencies be addressed simultaneously to prevent further loss of life and suffering."