Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: REACH Initiative Please refer to the attached file. KEY MESSAGES • Measures to respond to the EVD outbreak, particularly restrictions on movement, are affecting the availability of food at markets and households’ ability to access food due to rising food prices, thereby eroding purchasing power. • Local response capacities and community mutual aid systems are helping to maintain some level of food access, but emergency assistance remains necessary for the most isolated and vulnerable. • By the end of September, food security is expected to deteriorate further with the onset of the lean season, unless community mutual aid is rapidly strengthened and emergency assistance is targeting the most isolated populations. CONTEXT & RATIONALE The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is regularly affected by recurring epidemics (Ebola, COVID-19, cholera, measles, Mpox), which pose a threat to health and food security due to their impact on the livelihoods and economies of households in the affected areas. Since May 2026, the 17th Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak has affected 62 health zones (ZS) in the eastern region of the DRC, specifically in the provinces of Ituri, which remains the epicenter of the outbreak, North Kivu, South Kivu, and, more recently, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, Bas-Uele, and South Ubangi¹ with more than 7, 258 confirmed cases and 3, 510 deaths as of September 13, 2026². Against a backdrop of conflict and a fragile economy, food insecurity already affects a portion of the population and risks being exacerbated by this health crisis through the associated preventive measures. As of June 2026, 10% of Ituri’s population was facing severe food insecurity (IPC AFI P4), and just under 300, 000 children (n=291, 302) under the age of five were malnourished (IPC AMN P3 and P4))³. Between July 13 and 15, 2026, REACH conducted a rapid qualitative study to analyze the effects of the EVD epidemic on household food security and livelihoods, interviewing 30 key informants (26 men and 4 women) in Ituri Province, in the health zones most affected by the epidemic during the period: Bunia (n=6), Rwampara (n=6), Mongbwalu (n=6), Nizi (n=6), and Nyankunde (n=6). Information was collected from 6 farmers, 6 health workers, 5 merchants, 4 teachers, 2 civil servants, 1 humanitarian worker, and 6 community members, including 1 civil society representative, 1 motorcycle taxi driver, and 1 community leader.
Growing Food Insecurity Amid the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Outbreak in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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