U.S. Pledges $414 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Democratic Republic of Congo

In Summary
• U.S. announces nearly $414 million in humanitarian assistance for DRC
• Over 25 million people in DRC need humanitarian aid, about a quarter of the population
• Aid includes food assistance, healthcare, nutrition support, and other essential services
• U.S. to provide additional $10 million for health assistance and donate 50,000 mpox vaccines

THE UNITED NATIONS- The United States has announced a significant boost in humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), pledging nearly $414 million to address the country's dire humanitarian crisis. This announcement comes as the DRC grapples with multiple conflicts, displacement, and health emergencies that have left over 25 million people – nearly a quarter of the country's population – in need of urgent assistance.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, Jeffrey Prescott, revealed the details of this substantial aid package in an interview with Reuters. A significant portion of the funds will be channeled through United Nations agencies and aid groups to provide critical support in various areas, including urgent food assistance, healthcare, nutrition support, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

"This funding also includes direct support (of) agricultural commodities from American farmers," Prescott stated. He is set to formally announce the aid in Kinshasa alongside U.S. Ambassador to the DRC Lucy Tamlyn. This latest contribution brings the total U.S. funding for the DRC since October to an impressive $838 million.

The humanitarian situation in the DRC has deteriorated significantly in recent years, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, particularly in the country's eastern regions. Since 2022, the Congolese army has been battling M23 insurgents, leading to the displacement of more than 1.7 million people. This has contributed to a record total of 7.2 million internally displaced Congolese, according to UN estimates.

The scale of the crisis is reflected in the UN's aid appeal for the DRC, which stands at $2.6 billion for this year. However, this appeal is currently only one-third funded, highlighting the urgent need for international support. The World Health Organization has warned that over one million children in the DRC are at risk of acute malnutrition, underscoring the critical nature of the situation.

Prescott expressed hope that this substantial U.S. contribution would encourage other countries to "step up as well" in supporting the DRC. The ambassador emphasized the importance of a coordinated international response to address the multifaceted challenges facing the country.

In addition to the humanitarian aid, the U.S. has committed to providing $10 million specifically for health assistance. This includes the donation of 50,000 mpox vaccines to combat the ongoing outbreak in the country. The current mpox outbreak in the DRC has already affected around 27,000 people and claimed more than 1,100 lives, with children being the most affected.

The mpox situation in the DRC is particularly concerning, as the viral infection can spread through close contact and, while usually mild, can sometimes lead to death. The outbreak has put additional strain on the country's already overwhelmed healthcare system.

This comprehensive aid package from the United States represents a significant step in addressing the complex humanitarian crisis in the DRC. However, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the country and the need for sustained international support and cooperation.