Responding to interconnected crises in DRC, Rwanda, Burundi and beyond - May 2025

The Great Lakes region is facing a fast-evolving humanitarian crisis. In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), renewed violence since January 2025 has triggered mass displacement, civilian casualties, and the collapse of vital services in cities like Goma and Bukavu. Hospitals supported by the ICRC are under extreme pressure. Since January 2025, ICRC-supported medical facilities have received over 2000 wounded patients.
Infrastructure breakdowns have left many without access to water, power, or functioning health systems, which has increased the risk of cholera and Ebola outbreaks.

Despite escalating violence, regional instability, and growing humanitarian needs, we
remain operational across the Great Lakes. We are present, we are delivering, and we are
adapting every day to reach the most vulnerable. The figures below represent part of our
response since January 2025:

HEALTH
Since January 2025 in the DRC, ICRC-supported hospitals in Goma and Bukavu are among the few referral structures still operational in active conflict zones.
▪ 2000+ war-wounded patients treated between January and February
▪ Daily fuel and water deliveries to ensure functionality of key hospitals
▪ Support to medical evacuation and surgical care in North and South Kivu

WATER & ESSENTIAL SERVICES
▪ Emergency support to water infrastructure in Goma (DRC), including fuel for REGIDESO and local suppliers
▪ Support to orphanages, labs and hospitals to ensure access to clean water and power
▪ Collaboration with local actors to restore electricity to key areas

FOOD AND RELIEF AID
▪ Essential household and hygiene items distributed in Burundi and eastern DRC
▪ Support to returnees and displaced communities affected by looting, pillaging, and infrastructure collapse.

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