DRC's 2025 Measles Crisis Exposes Gaps in Vaccine Access and Healthcare

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faced a devastating measles epidemic in 2025, with over 82,869 suspected cases and 1,175 deaths. The outbreak spread across nearly all provinces, overwhelming an already fragile health system struggling with underfunding and multiple crises.

Measles is almost entirely preventable with a two-dose vaccine, but low vaccination coverage left many children vulnerable. The DRC's vast, difficult terrain and poor roads made it hard for parents to access healthcare and for health workers to deliver vaccines. In eastern DRC, decades of conflict worsened insecurity, displaced families, and cut off access to healthcare.

Between February and June 2025, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) stepped in to support local health authorities. Their teams treated around 20,870 patients and vaccinated 1,146,810 children across six provinces. Despite these efforts, only 20 percent of the humanitarian response plan received funding, leaving critical sectors like health and sanitation severely under-resourced.

The country's health system operates with limited capacity due to chronic underfunding. Weak disease monitoring and low immunisation rates allowed the outbreak to spread rapidly. Ongoing collaboration and stronger vaccination campaigns remain essential to protect children and prevent future crises.

The epidemic highlighted deep gaps in the DRC's health infrastructure and response funding. Without sustained support, measles and other preventable diseases will continue to threaten children's lives. Strengthening vaccination efforts and healthcare access remains a priority for controlling future outbreaks.