Democratic Republic of Congo Situation Report - May 2025

Ongoing violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to have a devastating impact on communities, especially on women and girls. At least 32 pregnant women were injured and three died by gunfire or shrapnel in the first four months of 2025.

The number of recorded cases of sexual violence is surging to unprecedented levels, with hundreds of cases reported each week. The post-rape kit mapping conducted by the Sexual and Reproductive Health Working Group shows limited stocks in the eastern part of DRC, with many health facilities facing complete stockouts. Only 7 of the 34 health zones in North Kivu currently hold a minimal stock of post-rape kits, and the majority of recorded cases of survivors of sexual violence seeking medical assistance remain unaddressed. Currently, only 13 per cent of referred survivors received post-exposure prophylaxis within the critical 72-hour window, exposing them to the risk of HIV.

The recent US defunding, which resulted in a 37 per cent reduction of funding for protection, and over 50 per cent of sexual and reproductive health has left the health system on the brink of collapse. Over half of the gender-based violence service provision points that were functioning last year are no longer operational. In frontline territories, 90–100 per cent of survivor support structures have closed or suspended activities.

UNFPA significantly scaled up activities in May to respond to the surging humanitarian needs. 25 tonnes of reproductive health kits – which will serve a total of 750,000 people – were distributed to targeted health facilities in areas of high internally displaced person populations. Outreach services, including provision of contraceptives, community information and education sessions, and referrals to health facilities, were also increased through the deployment of an additional 430 community health workers and community-based distributors.

To continue to meet the urgent needs of women, girls and youth, UNFPA is appealing for US$42.3 million. As of the end of May, US$11.6 million has been mobilized. UNFPA thanks its donors for their vital contribution to supporting the emergency humanitarian response in DRC.