Mass Measles Vaccination Begins in Conflict-Hit Congo

Health authorities in eastern Congo’s Masisi Territory pushed forward with a critical campaign on Monday. They aim to vaccinate tens of thousands of children against a severe measles outbreak.

This medical emergency is unfolding alongside an ongoing conflict. Local healthcare workers, reinforced by emergency teams, have mobilized to contain the virus. Sadly, the disease has sickened thousands of children in recent months.

The backdrop of this crisis is severe. It is happening during one of the world’s largest displacement crises, making healthcare delivery increasingly difficult.

“We Had Nothing”

At the Kachehembe hospital, the measles isolation ward is currently at capacity. Mothers fill the room, tending to their young children.

Irène Shashire, a 21-year-old mother, described her fear. Initially, she mistook her child’s symptoms for a simple fever. However, she soon realized the condition was serious. She sought help immediately after learning treatment was available.

For Shashire, this illness is another burden in a life upended by violence. “We lived through the war; we had nothing, no money. We were worried,” she shared.

In the town of Rubaya, fathers like Silas Bazimaziki Rugiriki expressed relief. He noted that the community became alarmed as more children fell ill.

“Since we know the vaccine is necessary and protects the children, we were happy,” he said. “That’s why we brought the children so they could receive the vaccine against this epidemic.”

A Health System Under Strain

Dr. Toussaint Selemani is leading the measles response. He explained that the humanitarian situation complicates the medical mission.

Conflict has forced vast populations to flee their homes. This causes demographic shifts that make planning difficult.

“From the point of view of the vaccination campaign, the target population that we estimated, we are now more than that,” Selemani explained. He attributed this surge to massive population movement.

Furthermore, the region’s health system is stretching to its breaking point. It is currently battling multiple epidemics simultaneously, including:

• Measles
• Cholera
• Mpox

Conflict and Diplomacy

The vaccination drive is taking place in a highly strategic area. Rubaya sits on one of the world’s largest coltan deposits. Rebels seized the mine from the government last year and face accusations of smuggling the minerals.

The broader Masisi Territory remains largely under the control of the M23 rebel group. The group captured significant ground this year, including key cities.

The insurgent advance has resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths in 2025 alone. This worsens a crisis that has displaced around 7 million people.

Fortunately, the intensity of fighting has decreased recently due to diplomatic efforts. However, sporadic clashes continue to threaten civilians. Currently, hopes for a lasting resolution rest on a peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda. They are scheduled to sign the agreement in Washington on Thursday.