Concern Worldwide is providing urgent humanitarian support to nearly 29,000 people displaced by conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Operating in Masisi territory and North Kivu province, Concern’s team has partnered with a consortium of NGOs, funded by the EU, to address immediate needs including health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and protection for displaced populations.
DRC faces the world’s third largest displacement crisis, with 6.9 million people forced from their homes, mostly in the east, as a result of decades of conflict. The escalation of violence in January 2025 displaced over 100,000 people in just three days, creating an urgent need for food, clean water, medical care, and protection services.
In health and nutrition, Concern and its partners provided free primary healthcare, emergency medical referrals, disease prevention awareness, and epidemic response for cholera. Over 5,700 people received consultations for childhood illnesses, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence care. Severely malnourished children were given access to quality treatment, while community leaders were trained to conduct awareness sessions on health, nutrition, and hygiene.
Water and sanitation services were strengthened to reduce the risk of disease. Concern constructed 150 latrines, 75 family showers, and five rubbish pits, rehabilitated two community water supply systems benefiting 12,000 people, and trained local management committees for sustainable maintenance. Hygiene kits containing soap, detergent, and buckets were distributed to 6,500 people to improve household sanitation.
Protection efforts focused on the most vulnerable displaced individuals, including mental health and psychosocial support for nearly 2,700 children and adults. The programme placed 36 unaccompanied or separated children with temporary foster families, reuniting 21 with their biological families, and provided specialized care for survivors of gender-based violence.
The integrated programme has had a tangible impact on families such as Ancila Niyonzima and Rafiki Dukuze, who fled their village four years ago and faced severe malnutrition in their youngest child, Israel. Community health workers identified his condition and referred him to a local health centre where he received therapeutic care. Concern also provided the family with hygiene kits to prevent relapse and improve overall wellbeing, demonstrating the importance of holistic support in displaced communities.
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