Despite escalating crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), humanitarian efforts continue to provide lifesaving assistance to millions, demonstrating the resilience and effectiveness of aid interventions. 

The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), launched by the Congolese government and humanitarian partners, seeks $2.54 billion to sustain and expand these efforts, ensuring aid reaches 11 million people in need.

In 2024, humanitarian organizations, with record funding of $1.3 billion, successfully assisted 7.1 million people. This support provided food, healthcare, and protection to vulnerable communities, including 7.8 million internally displaced persons—the highest displacement figures in the world. 

“Our goal is to assist the most vulnerable populations, wherever they may be. We must adapt to keep delivering this vital aid without ever compromising the fundamental principles that guide humanitarian action: neutrality, impartiality, independence, and humanity," said Bruno Lemarquis, Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC.

The 2025 response plan prioritizes urgent needs, such as treating 1.5 million children suffering from acute malnutrition, delivering clean water to 5 million people, and controlling outbreaks of cholera, measles, and Mpox. 

It also aims to rebuild livelihoods, facilitate the return of displaced families, and enhance preparedness for climate-related disasters.

However, sustained international support is critical to maintaining these life-saving operations. While financial contributions declined in 2024, the humanitarian community remains optimistic that global solidarity will continue. 

"Humanitarian assistance is essential to save lives. However, it is not the solution. Real solutions are, above all, political and require targeted, sustainable actions to address the root causes of the conflicts," Lemarquis emphasized.

As the DRC navigates complex challenges, the resilience of affected communities, combined with ongoing humanitarian action and increased global support, offers hope for a better future.