DRC: MSF Warns of 15,000 New HIV Infections Among Youth in 2024

Kinshasa, December 6, 2025 - Doctors Without Borders (MSF) revealed on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, that nearly 15,000 young Congolese under the age of 25 contracted HIV in 2024, according to data from the National AIDS Control Program (PNMLS) presented during a press conference in Kinshasa on the sidelines of World AIDS Day.

Gisèle Mucinya, medical coordinator of MSF's HIV project, described the situation as alarming, citing insufficient prevention of mother-to-child transmission, limited access to information, testing, and treatment, and persistent stigma.

She highlighted key obstacles, including the limited availability of tests, the cost of voluntary testing, and restrictions on minors being tested without parental consent.

Since 2019, MSF has been running youth clubs providing medical and psychological support, and the organization is calling on the government to increase funding amid the disengagement of partners such as USAID and the World Bank. This support is aimed at intensifying awareness campaigns and expanding HIV prevention initiatives nationwide.