Continued conflict, poverty and instability have put reliable health care out of reach for many Congolese. A high incidence of sexual violence in eastern Congo also increases the demand for skilled medical care.

A growing Congolese civil society is helping to provide health care at the community level.  Creative partnerships between UN agencies,  international NGOs and community based organizations are bringing health care to those who need it most across eastern Congo.

• According to the UN, the health sector in the DRC needs a $60 million investment but the government of the DRC can only spend one-tenth of that amount ($6 million).

• In 2006, less than half of the population of the DRC had access to a safe source of clean drinking water or sanitation