In a major breakthrough for communities in crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) have delivered 23 tonnes of essential HIV and Tuberculosis medication to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. This shipment, which follows months of severe shortages due to conflict and looting, brings urgently needed treatment to thousands of people at risk.
This consignment includes antiretroviral drugs, tuberculosis treatments, and testing kits - offering immediate relief to thousands of patients who had been cut off from care. Health facilities across the region, many of which had exhausted their supplies, will now be able to resume life-saving treatment and prevention services.
"This is more than medicine; it's a message of solidarity and dignity," said Damien Mama, UNDP Resident Representative in DRC. "With this delivery, we are not just treating disease; we are restoring hope, trust, and resilience in communities that have suffered for too long. This is the beginning of a broader effort to stand with the people of Eastern DRC - not just in emergency, but in recovery"
The medical shipment is part of the broader Global Fund programme (Grant Cycle 7), implemented by UNDP, which is supporting the national response to HIV and TB across the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2024 to 2026. The project aims to reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, lower TB incidence and mortality rates, and eliminate stigma and discrimination affecting people living with HIV and TB.
Since January 2025, the M23 rebellion has displaced more than 4.1 million people, caused over 7,000 deaths, and left 375,000 children out of school. Sexual violence has surged, with over 60 cases reported daily. Essential services have collapsed, banks are closed and infrastructure has been destroyed. In total, 6.1 million people are in need of urgent recovery support.
This health assistance also aligns with the UNDP Crisis Response Plan for Eastern DRC, which outlines a USD 25.6 million package of interventions over six months to support returnees, restore basic services and infrastructure, protect survivors of gender-based violence, and foster peaceful coexistence. To date, USD 14.6 million have already been secured, but USD 11 million are still needed.
"The people of Eastern DRC have shown incredible strength in the face of unimaginable hardship," said Damien Mama. "This delivery is a critical first step, but we need sustained support to rebuild systems, protect lives, and restore dignity."
With continued collaboration from national partners, civil society, and the international community, UNDP and the Global Fund are committed to ensuring that those most affected by conflict and disease are not left behind. This milestone shipment signals the beginning of renewed hope and tangible recovery for millions in Eastern DRC.
