'Massive and protracted' humanitarian crisis in DR Congo can be 'beaten back' if donors step up.

'Urgent and sustained funding' for a Government-led response to what is now a 'massive and protracted' humanitarian crisis across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is required, said the head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN relief chief on Thursday.

Following on from a fact-finding mission to DRC this week, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore and the UN's top Humanitarian Affairs official (OCHA), Mark Lowcock, said the funds were urgently needed to meet the needs of children, families and vulnerable communities, including people with disabilities.

'The relatively peaceful political transition taking place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an opportunity that we must seize on,' the top officials said in a statement, referring to the first peaceful transfer of power following elections on 30 December.

'We can beat back the massive and protracted humanitarian crisis. But we urgently need donors to provide further generous funding as needs continue to outpace resources,' said Mr. Lowcock, adding that the DRC needs sustained international engagement to create the conditions for peace, security and long-term development.

While the country has made progress in recent years in some areas, including a drop in the number of children dying before they reach the age of five, the overall humanitarian situation remains alarming. Around 13 million went hungry last year, compared with 7.7 million in 2017. At least 4 million children are malnourished, while cholera, measles and Ebola 'continue to blight many lives'.

'Severe acute malnutrition is expected to hit 1.4 million children under the age of five this year and put them at imminent risk of death,' said Ms. Fore. 'In conflict-affected areas of the country, children and young people have been recruited as fighters, sexually assaulted and denied education, health and protection services. Together, the international community and the new government can - and should - do better for children.'

Constructive talks

In Kinshasa, the two officials held constructive talks with newly-elected President Felix Tshisekedi who reiterated the Government's commitment to leading the...

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