Additional Context: Shortages of PEP kits has been reported across the DRC, including in North Kivu and South Kivu.

“The suspension of American aid has led to a significant weakening of NGOs, particularly in the health sector. There has been a shortage of medical supplies, particularly medications, and, even more worryingly, a shortage of PEP kits. Alerts to this effect have been reported in the Masisi health zone.” — Clinician working in reproductive health in North Kivu

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)

Devex Researcher Note: A PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) kit for HIV typically covers a full 28-day course of antiretroviral medications used to prevent infection after a potential exposure. It is a short-term emergency intervention.