Vital medical supplies such as insulin are becoming increasingly difficult to procure in eastern Congo, where the M23 rebel group has intensified its operations since January.

Kinshasa

Diabetic patients in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are experiencing critical insulin shortages as ongoing conflict disrupts medical supply chains. At the Kivu Diabetes Centre in Bukavu, Dr. Albert Kalezo reports that the renewed violence, particularly from the M23 rebel group, has made it increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain insulin, leaving many patients without necessary treatment.

The closure of key infrastructure, such as Goma Airport, has further hampered the delivery of medical supplies. Local pharmacies are also struggling with severe shortages and rising prices, while some are unable to sell alternative brands due to lack of customer trust. The insulin crisis is part of a wider humanitarian emergency in the region, which has seen significant civilian casualties and displacement.

Insulin shortage pains Congo diabetics in conflict-hit east

In a small refrigerator at the Kivu Diabetes Centre in Bukavu, Eastern Congo, Dr. Albert Kalezo carefully guards his dwindling supply of insulin, each vial a lifeline for diabetic patients. He says the shortage is a direct consequence of the renewed violence in Eastern Congo. Since the current crisis, access to insulin has been difficult. Even before, insulin access was expensive. For these children, I prescribe treatment, but they are not able to obtain it. The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its operations in Congo since January, seizing control of key cities, displacing thousands and disrupting vital supply chains. The closure of Goma Airport, a crucial hub for medicine shipments, has left health care providers scrambling. Kalezo now travels to neighbouring Rwanda to procure supplies, though these efforts often fall short. The crisis extends beyond the diabetes centre. Local pharmacies report severe shortages and skyrocketing prices. This pharmacist, who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation from the M23, said prices across the drug market were, quote, exorbitant. Even when alternative brands were found, customers wouldn't buy it, she said. The insulin crisis is one facet of the broader humanitarian emergency unfolding in Eastern Congo. In July, the United Nations reported at least 319 civilian deaths in Rutsuru at the hands of M23 fighters.

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