Measles Vaccination Drive Expands in Eastern DRC as Conflict and Displacement Fuel Outbreak

Health authorities and humanitarian organizations have expanded a major measles vaccination campaign across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as ongoing conflict continues to drive mass displacement and worsen the region’s latest outbreak. The intensified push comes at a time when health facilities are overwhelmed and thousands of children remain at high risk of infection.

The current phase of the campaign is focused on Masisi Territory, particularly the town of Rubaya, where vaccination teams have been working to reach families arriving from conflict-hit villages. Parents have been bringing their children to makeshift vaccination points despite insecurity in surrounding areas. Many say they have witnessed the disease spreading through camps and host communities with alarming speed.

Medical staff working with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) report a steady rise in the number of children requiring immunization. Dr. Toussaint Selemani, who is coordinating the response, confirmed that the actual population in need has surpassed initial estimates due to continuous displacement. “What we originally estimated as the target population… we are now more than that,” he said, noting that the movement of people fleeing violence has complicated vaccination planning and delivery.

Local parents say the vaccination effort is a critical lifeline. After his child received the measles vaccine in Rubaya, father Silas Bazimaziki Rugiriki said he felt a sense of relief many families share. “Since we know the vaccine is necessary and protects the children, we were happy… that’s why we brought the children,” he explained.

Health workers, however, warn that measles is only one of several outbreaks affecting the region. Cholera and mpox cases have also been reported, creating a layered emergency in areas where clinics lack both staff and supplies. Displaced families often live in overcrowded shelters where disease transmission is faster and harder to contain.

The DRC government, with support from WHO, UNICEF and Gavi, is conducting a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign targeting more than 62 million children and adolescents. But eastern provinces remain the most difficult to reach due to insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and repeated displacement. Health teams often travel through dangerous terrain, cross military checkpoints, or work under the threat of clashes between armed groups.

Despite the challenges, humanitarian organizations say the urgency of vaccination cannot be overstated. Many children affected by the current outbreak had never received routine immunization before conflict disrupted health services in their communities. Aid groups warn that without sustained support and improved access to vulnerable populations, measles outbreaks will continue to reappear.

For frontline workers, progress is slow but vital. Every child vaccinated represents one less risk of severe illness or death. For families navigating both violence and disease, the vaccination drive is one of the few sources of reassurance available.

As the campaign expands, health officials are calling for stronger international backing to stabilize access routes, secure healthcare facilities, and ensure vaccine supplies reach the most isolated communities. Without these measures, they caution, the cycle of conflict and disease in eastern DRC will only continue to deepen.