Measles in South Kivu, DRC: Over 10,000 Cases Reported in 2025

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to face a severe measles outbreak, with South Kivu province reporting more than 10,000 cases since the beginning of 2025. This surge highlights ongoing challenges in disease control amid insecurity, malnutrition, and strained health systems.

Scale of the Outbreak in South Kivu

According to outbreak surveillance data, South Kivu has recorded a significant rise in measles infections, with over 10,000 suspected cases reported across the province in 2025. Health officials have confirmed widespread transmission, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare due to geographic barriers and ongoing instability.

The provincial health division’s epidemiological surveillance unit noted that the outbreak is contributing to a high burden of preventable illness and death, especially among unvaccinated children. Case fatality rates remain elevated in hard-to-reach zones where timely medical intervention is often delayed.

National Context: A Worsening Epidemic

The situation in South Kivu reflects a broader national trend. In 2025, the DRC recorded more than 82,869 suspected measles cases and 1,175 deaths across nearly all provinces, according to local health authorities. This marks one of the largest measles epidemics in the country in recent years.

The outbreak coincides with other public health crises, including mpox, cholera, and persistent insecurity in eastern regions. Declining humanitarian funding and disruptions to routine immunization have further weakened the country’s ability to respond effectively.

Response Efforts by Health Partners

In response to the escalating crisis, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has deployed emergency teams to multiple provinces, including South Kivu, Ituri, Tshopo, and Haut-Lomami. Their interventions have focused on:

• Treating patients with measles and managing complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis
• Conducting mass vaccination campaigns to interrupt transmission
• Providing vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and nutritional screening for children
• Supporting the integration of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine into the national routine immunization program

MSF reports that these efforts have helped reduce mortality and slow the spread of the virus in targeted areas. However, access remains a major obstacle, particularly in conflict-affected zones where health facilities are damaged or inaccessible.

Challenges to Control and Prevention

Despite the introduction of the combined measles-rubella vaccine into the national schedule, vaccination coverage remains below the threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Factors contributing to low immunization rates include:

• Insecurity limiting access to remote communities
• Vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation
• Logistical challenges in maintaining cold chain storage
• Underfunding of health systems and supply chain disruptions

Health officials stress that two doses of the measles vaccine are essential for lasting protection. They continue to urge communities to participate in vaccination drives and seek care early when symptoms appear.

Conclusion

The measles outbreak in South Kivu and across the DRC underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in immunization, health system strengthening, and humanitarian access. While response efforts by organizations like MSF have saved lives, long-term control depends on achieving high and equitable vaccine coverage.

As of April 2026, health authorities and partners continue to monitor the situation closely, with plans to expand outreach and reinforce routine immunization services to prevent future outbreaks.