North Kivu: Sharp Resurgence of Measles, Cholera, and Smallpox in Rubaya Health Zone

The Rubaya Reference Health Center, in the Masisi territory of North Kivu, is reporting a worrying increase in cases of measles, smallpox, and cholera since June 2025.

Approximately twenty measles cases have required hospitalization, while many other patients are treated in the community by traditional healers, increasing the risk of disease spread.

François Ntambara Bwenge, a state-certified nurse, highlights the lack of isolation facilities and difficulties in accessing patients. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirms that the situation is worsened by massive population displacements due to armed conflict, complicating vaccination coverage and facilitating the rapid transmission of diseases.

MSF also notes that comorbidities, including severe malnutrition affecting 12% of cases, exacerbate infections. Logistical obstacles, driven by insecurity and poor road conditions, delay the delivery of medical supplies and the rapid deployment of teams in the field.