Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, RAI Congo DR intervened in the communities of Malehe and Luhonga, Masisi territory, to address urgent nutritional needs among populations affected by armed conflict and mass displacement at the beginning of 2025.
Context and Challenges
The M23 offensive caused thousands of deaths and massive population displacement, leaving families returning to their villages in extremely precarious conditions. Malnutrition disproportionately affects children under five, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. In North Kivu, nearly 48,000 children suffer from severe malnutrition, highlighting the urgent need for targeted, effective interventions.
Project Objectives
- Reduce moderate and severe acute malnutrition among children under five.
- Provide immediate nutritional support to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Raise community awareness on malnutrition prevention.
- Facilitate access to healthcare for critical cases.
Actions Implemented
Between January and May 2025, RAI Congo DR carried out:
- Nutritional screening for 140 children and 50 pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Distribution of fortified porridge and food rations tailored to nutritional needs.
- Referral to health centers for children at risk of severe malnutrition.
- Community awareness sessions on nutrition and malnutrition prevention.
- Logistical support, including food and essential nutrition monitoring equipment.
Impact and Results
- 73 children and 33 women directly benefited from nutritional support sessions.
- Local communities actively participated, adopting good nutritional practices.
- The intervention helped prevent severe malnutrition complications and strengthened the resilience of vulnerable families in this fragile region.
Suspension and Call for Support
In May 2025, the project was temporarily suspended due to insufficient funding, leaving some needs unmet. Logistical and financial constraints remain major obstacles to reaching all vulnerable populations.
RAI calls on donors and humanitarian partners to support this initiative in order to:
- Resume and expand nutritional distributions.
- Provide dry rations and home-based support for children and families.
- Strengthen logistical capacity and nutrition monitoring in the field.
Your support can help RAI Congo DR save lives, prevent malnutrition, and build resilience in communities across North Kivu.
