Additional Context: “Vaccination campaigns have been suspended, impacting efforts to combat certain preventable diseases. Health facilities have had to raise their fees, even though the population was accustomed to low-cost, or even free, care. Severe cases have been observed, including uterine ruptures and maternal deaths related to home births, due to lack of financial resources and lack of patient outreach. A resurgence of cervical cancer has also been reported, likely linked to the cessation of awareness and screening activities.” — Doctor working at a health facility in Kasaï

This information was first published in a July 2025 research brief by Physicians for Human Rights entitled "Abandoned in Crisis: The Impact of U.S. Global Health Funding Cuts in Democratic Republic of the Congo." This brief is based on the findings of a rapid qualitative research assessment conducted from May to July 2025 with 15 medical professionals, humanitarian actors, and staff implementing projects in the North Kivu, South Kivu, and Kasaï regions of the DRC. Respondents were selected based on their direct experience with health systems affected by U.S. foreign aid funding cuts. Participants shared their perspectives through written statements, recorded interviews, voice memos, or other audio submissions. With informed consent, any audio submissions were recorded and transcribed, and the resulting data were analyzed to identify shared impacts and challenges. Participation was entirely voluntary, and all identifying information was removed to ensure participant confidentiality

Source: Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)