And with almost seven million people compulsive by violence, since progress from M23 rebels earlier this year, DRC is facing one of the world’s most complex shear crises, according to the UN Migration Agency (IOM).

Living in crowded and under resourceed camps, displaced populations are increasingly vulnerable to both illness and attack.

Since January 2025 alone, over 660,000 people have been forced to flee the Goma region after government forces lost control of the key city along with Bukavu to the south.

Tipping point

The extent of the humanitarian needs in the country has reached a rocking point, according to IOM, with outbreaks of MPOX and Anthrax in progress in the east.

While both MPOX and Anthrax typically affect livestock and other animals, food safety that results from the ongoing conflict, paired with unsanitarian living conditions in shear camps, sets people at greater risk of transmission.

Dangerous infections

Both of the potentially deadly infections can be contracted through contact with infected or contaminated animals. Although Anthrax is generally not contagious, MPOX is, emphasizes the World Health Organization (WHO).

MPOX is typically accompanied by fever and rashes and rarely requires hospitalization, while all human cases of spleen fire do, the UN health agency added.

Since March 22, after the death of dozens of Buffalo and Hippopotamuses in Virunga National Park from Anthrax Poisoning, 16 suspects have reported human cases of anthrax, including a confirmed case. A person is dead so far.

Outbreak response

There are assessments in the eastern part of the DRC to determine the risk of the spleen infection spreading further across the region.

Since both MPOX and Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics and prevented through vaccination, who and its partners are working to prevent future outbreaks by using a unified approach, prioritizing human, expensive and environmental security.

Awareness campaigns and efforts to vaccinate livestock against Anthrax are now underway.