UNITED NATIONS, United States, Feb 28, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The DR Congo government and the United Nations on Thursday appealed for $2.54 billion in humanitarian assistance this year, aimed at aiding millions affected by conflict, epidemics and natural disasters.

The funding is "crucial to deliver lifesaving assistance" to the 11 million people who are in the greatest need in the country, including 7.8 million internally displaced people, the UN said in a statement.

According to UN estimates, 21.2 million people in DR Congo are affected by the "unprecedented multidimensional crises."

These include climate disasters linked to global warming, epidemics, and a long-running conflict in the east that has flared in recent weeks.

The M23 armed group, which is backed by Rwanda, has seized swaths of territory in the east in recent days, complicating humanitarian aid access.

"All warning signals are flashing red. Yet, despite immense challenges, humanitarian action continues to prove its effectiveness in saving lives every day," said Bruno Lemarquis, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC.

He added that the UN was aiming "to assist the most vulnerable populations, wherever they may be."

The UN's 2025 humanitarian response plan includes assisting 1.5 million children who are suffering from acute malnutrition, providing clean drinking water to five million people and combating epidemics of cholera, measles and Mpox.

It also includes assistance for the return of displaced people and preparation for climate disasters.

The UN's plans, however, will potentially be impacted by US President Donald Trump's slashing of almost all foreign aid provided by Washington.

The United States provided 70 percent of the UN's humanitarian response plan funding last year.

"We must adapt to keep delivering this vital aid without ever compromising the fundamental principles that guide humanitarian action: neutrality, impartiality, independence, and humanity," said Lemarquis.