Catholic Relief Services Helps in Congo: July 1, 2026

Catholic Relief Services: In many parts of the DRC, Catholic health networks are among the most trusted sources of healthcare and information, especially in remote communities. CRS is working alongside Caritas Ituri, Caritas Bunia, Caritas Goma, local faith leaders and health authorities to support front-line response efforts and strengthen community preparedness.

Catholic Relief Services Helps in Congo

Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

An Ebola outbreak that began in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has crossed into neighboring Uganda, raising concerns about wider regional transmission. Health officials warn the situation is evolving quickly as the disease spreads through communities already facing conflict, displacement and limited access to healthcare.

Hundreds of cases have been confirmed across the DRC, including in border areas near Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. The outbreak is centered in Ituri province, with additional cases reported in North Kivu, including the border city of Goma. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.

Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can quickly become deadly without immediate care. Health workers and family caregivers face especially high risks of infection, while fear and misinformation can make outbreaks even harder to contain.

CRS and Partner Response

CRS is responding in both the DRC and Uganda through trusted Church and community partners to help slow the spread of the disease and support vulnerable families.

In many parts of the DRC, Catholic health networks are among the most trusted sources of healthcare and information, especially in remote communities. CRS is working alongside Caritas Ituri, Caritas Bunia, Caritas Goma, local faith leaders and health authorities to support front-line response efforts and strengthen community preparedness.

The response includes community education campaigns, radio outreach, infection prevention support and efforts to strengthen preparedness at front-line health facilities. CRS and partners are also helping provide hand-washing stations, hand sanitizer and other prevention supplies to churches, schools, health facilities and community spaces.

Community trust can save lives during an Ebola outbreak. During the 2019 outbreak in eastern DRC, CRS worked with more than 700 trusted Catholic, faith and community leaders to share prevention messages and help counter misinformation about Ebola. That experience continues to shape CRS’ response today through trusted local networks and community-led outreach.

CRS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo boasts a population of approximately 115 million people, vast lands and rivers, and abundant mineral resources. In recent years, life expectancy has increased from 50 to 60 years of age. Mean years of schooling have increased from 7 years to 9.7, and gross domestic product per capita has increased by $430 from $150 to $580.

CRS in the DRC responds to both emergency needs and long-term development challenges, working in close collaboration with Church partners, government agencies and other humanitarian actors. Core programming areas include health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, and agriculture—each tailored to address the country’s complex and diverse needs.

CRS maintains a strategic focus on the Kasai region in south-central DRC while continuing to expand its national impact. Our organization’s work is grounded in strong, long-standing partnerships with local and national Church structures. CRS collaborates with 13 diocesan Caritas partners, as well as national bodies such as Caritas Congo and the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo.

Through these partnerships, CRS is able to reach remote and vulnerable communities, even in some of the most challenging operational environments.
CRS’ History in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

CRS began operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1961 at the invitation of the country’s Catholic Episcopal Conference. Since 1993, CRS has maintained a continuous presence in response to ongoing conflict, ensuring timely support for vulnerable populations.

While initially focused on emergency response, CRS has expanded its work to include long-term development programs. Today, its integrated approach spans health, water security, nutrition and agriculture, with a strong emphasis on gender-responsive and transformative interventions.

Whether implementing programs directly or through local partners, CRS maintains a nationwide presence that enables rapid project start-up and access to remote, hard-to-reach communities.

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