U.S. Allocates $414 Million in Humanitarian Aid for DRC Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United States has announced a humanitarian aid package of $414 million for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to support food, healthcare, and sanitation efforts for over 25 million people. The aid includes direct agricultural support and mpox vaccines. Renewed conflict has displaced millions, prompting urgent international assistance.

The United States announced on Wednesday a $414 million humanitarian aid package for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where more than 25 million people urgently need assistance. This package aims to alleviate severe food, healthcare, and sanitation shortages among the country's war-affected population.

Jeffrey Prescott, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, revealed that the funds will mostly be allocated to United Nations agencies and various aid groups tasked with delivering essential services such as food, healthcare, and water sanitation. 'This funding also includes direct support of agricultural commodities from American farmers,' Prescott noted. He will formally announce the aid in Kinshasa, alongside U.S. Ambassador to the DRC Lucy Tamlyn.

Since October, U.S. funding for DRC has reached $838 million, according to Prescott. The ongoing conflict with M23 insurgents has displaced over 1.7 million people in the eastern region, adding to a cumulative total of 7.2 million displaced in the country. Amid an underfunded $2.6 billion U.N. appeal, the World Health Organization recently warned of a severe risk of acute malnutrition affecting over a million children in the DRC.

In addition to the humanitarian aid, the U.S. will provide $10 million for health assistance and donate 50,000 mpox vaccines. The current mpox outbreak in Congo, which has caused around 27,000 cases and claimed over 1,100 lives—primarily children—since early 2023, underscores the urgent need for international support.

(With inputs from agencies.)