West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (10-16 March 2026)

Burkina Faso

Spike in measles cases in eastern Burkina Faso amid
access constraints and vaccine shortages

Between 1 January and 8 March, health authorities reported 3,234 measles cases and one death across the eastern regions of Goulmou, Sirba, and Tapoa, including 2,683 cases in Matiacoali (Goulmou). This is nearly ten times higher than during the same period in 2025 and already three times the total number of cases reported in 2025. More than 80 per cent of cases affect children under five. Around 30,000 children have been vaccinated, but significant shortages of vaccines and essential medicines persist. Response efforts in Matiacoali, the main hotspot, are still hampered by humanitarian access constraints. Around 10 tons of medical supplies are currently in Fada (Goulmou region) awaiting transport. Additional support is needed to scale up vaccination and contain the outbreak.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Death, displacement rising as violence continues in
Djugu Territory

According to local sources, the death toll from armed
clashes on 11 March has risen from 11 to 20 civilians killed
around Bule locality in Djugu Territory, Ituri Province. Since
early March, clashes in Bule surrounding villages have
reportedly killed at least 30 civilians and forced many
families to flee. Displacement sites are becoming
increasingly overcrowded. Local authorities say the Plaine
Savo displacement site now hosts nearly 136,000 people –
double the number recorded two months ago. The UN and
partners continue to provide health care, nutrition support
and water, hygiene and sanitation services at the site.
However, humanitarian access remains severely restricted
due to insecurity. Since 8 March, partners have been
unable to safely access Plaine Savo displacement site.