Lobukulu Lolimo, GenèseKabadi, Yannick MusawuBeshah, Senait AlemayehuKhonde, RodrigueBeia, AuroreMakongote, HéritierSumaili, GénérosKabuya, SamueBongutu, JoélAchala, Daniel MalikMuriithi, Grace NjeriAdote, Elizabeth Naa AdukweiZegeye, Elias AsfawMbachu, Chinyere OjiugoAtaguba, John Ele-OjoYaya Bocoum, Fadima Inna KaminaMayaka, Serge ManituMafuta Musalu, et Éric2026-03-262026-03-262026-02Lobukulu Lolimo, G., Kabadi, Y.M., Beshah, S.A., Khonde, R., Beia, A., Makongote, H., Sumaili, G., Kabuya, S., Bongutu, J., Achala, D.M., Muriithi, G.N., Adote, E.N.A., Zegeye, E.A., Mbachu, C.O., Ataguba, J.E., Yaya Bocoum, F.I.K., Mayaka, S.M. & Mafuta, Musalu E.É. (2026) The COVID-19 vaccine procurement and supply chain in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Frontiers in Health Services 5: 1681053: 1-9. doi: 10.3389/frhs.2025.1681053.2813-0146 (online)10.3389/frhs.2025.1681053http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109308DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.The COVID-19 vaccine has been classified as an ‘essential medicine’, yet shortages and unequal distribution during the pandemic have reignited concerns about vaccine self-sufficiency in Africa. This study examined the mechanisms for acquiring, distributing, and administering existing COVID-19 vaccines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A qualitative case study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 23 key informants selected using reasoned choice, based on their professional roles in vaccine policy, logistics, and implementation. Participants were recruited from public institutions, with most being medical doctors and having experience in vaccination. Data were transcribed and analyzed were transcribed and analysis thematically using Atlas-ti 7.0. The study found that vaccine acquisition in the DRC relied heavily on international donations and multilateral initiatives, with limited national financial contribution. Distribution followed a five-tier supply chain managed by the Expanded Program on Immunization, moving vaccines from Kinshasa to provincial and field offices, then to selected health facilities. The Cold chain limitations, transport issues, and inconsistent vaccine availability challenged the administration. To improve vaccine access and coverage, stakeholders emphasized the need to strengthen logistical infrastructure and promote regional vaccine production. Honoring government commitments to co-finance procurement was also identified as a critical step toward sustainable vaccine supply.en© 2026 Lobukulu Lolimo, Kabadi, Beshah, Khonde, Beia, Makongote, Sumaili, Kabuya, Bongutu, Achala, Muriithi, Adote, Zegeye, Mbachu, Ele-Ojo Ataguba, Yaya Bocoum, Mayaka and Mafuta Musalu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).COVID-19 vaccineCoronavirus disease (COVID-19)Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)ProcurementVaccineSupplyArticle