In Kasaï, medical and public health experts report that surges of mpox, malaria, and tuberculosis have plagued DRC because of the suspension of vaccination campaigns and the loss of free treatment.
Date: 7/25
Region: Africa
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Topic: Health
Policy Lens: Global Health Security
Additional Context: “Antimalarial drugs and insecticide-treated mosquito nets are no longer distributed free of charge, particularly affecting pregnant women. The high price of quinine is forcing patients to turn to traditional treatments. Tuberculosis control programs have been halted, and epidemiological surveillance is no longer maintained.” — 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)

