Conflict in eastern DR Congo has caused insulin shortages, soaring prices, and perilous access for diabetics as fighting disrupts healthcare

Kinshasa

The conflict between the Congolese army and M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, has severely disrupted access to insulin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pharmacies report widespread shortages and soaring prices, with supplies from neighboring countries also limited. The closure of the Bukavu airport, a key supply route, has further complicated efforts to secure essential medicines. Despite a recent U.S.-brokered deal and hopes for a ceasefire, renewed fighting and border escalations have led to additional sanctions and further strained the healthcare system. Diabetics in the region now face life-threatening challenges in obtaining insulin.

DRC conflict leaves diabetics struggling for insulin

For people living with diabetes, insulin is a lifeline. But in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the conflict between the army and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels has made this essential medicine scarce and expensive. One pharmacist who requested anonymity, fearing retaliation from the M23, described skyrocketing prices and a widespread shortage of drugs. We don't have access to quality medication. Insulin is unavailable and its price remains exorbitant, as can be seen across the market. In all depots, there is always a price increase. Even if we go to a neighboring country to get supplies, they are often out of stock. At the Kivu Diabetes Center in Bukavu, a city in the east which the rebels seized in February, securing stocks of insulin is a race against time. The airport, which allowed us to receive medicine from Kinshasa, is no longer operational. We have found other options, particularly from neighboring countries, where we managed to obtain medicine, although with difficulty. Stocks dwindle as people wait for things to stabilize. There was hope after the government and the M23 signed a U.S. broker deal in July. A permanent ceasefire was due to be agreed by August the 18th. But renewed fighting has led to U.S. sanctions against the rebels. With airports closed and escalations on the border between the DRC and Rwanda, health care systems are buckling under pressure. And for diabetics, the conflict has made access to insulin as perilous as dodging bullets. Zain Basravi, Al Jazeera.

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