The children and families in the DRC face severe challenges, which are only compounded by armed conflict, natural disasters and economic instability.  

Since 1989, SOS Children’s Villages has provided safe homes and loving families to children without parental care and strengthened families to prevent separation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

With escalating violence from the armed M23 rebel group threatening the lives of those in eastern DRC, hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes and the need for aid has exponentially increased. So far in 2026, it’s estimated that nearly 15​ million people in the DRC desperately need humanitarian assistance—most notably access to food and life-saving medical care. 

Humanitarian needs are at an all-time high, but we remain dedicated to protecting vulnerable children from violence, malnutrition and displacement—bringing decades of emergency expertise and strong local relationships to make a sustainable, lasting impact on those in need. 

Deadly Ebola outbreak and violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 

Armed conflict, destroyed healthcare facilities and a rapidly-spreading Ebola outbreak have left children and families in crisis.  

• One in four of confirmed Ebola deaths in the DRC are children.  
• Children and young people are twice as likely to die from Ebola than adults. 
• More than 120+ armed groups are operating in the DRC. 
• 6.5 million people have been displaced in eastern DRC, making it one of the world’s largest displacement crises.