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Congo: Free Births End Amid War, Mothers Despair
11 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Free maternity care program ended in June, leaving mothers unable to afford services.
- Conflict and collapsed infrastructure strain essential services in Goma.
- Maternal deaths remain high, with home births increasing due to costs.
The cessation of Congo's free maternity care program in June has plunged mothers in Goma into crisis. Irene Nabudeba, a mother of five, fears for her sixth child's survival as she cannot afford the hospital fees, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and economic collapse in the city.
Clinics and hospitals are struggling with severe medicine shortages and staff exodus, partly due to the M23 rebel activity. This insecurity and displacement disrupt essential services, leaving civilians with limited access to basic care. Childbirth now costs between $5 to $10, a sum many Goma residents cannot afford.
Health workers report a significant drop in facility births since the program ended, with more women risking dangerous home deliveries. The collapse of public institutions and soaring prices compound the hardship, pushing vulnerable families further into suffering.
