The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to face escalating violence from armed groups, leading to widespread displacement and food insecurity. According to OCHA, at least 14.9 million people require humanitarian assistance. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), while those in remote areas struggle to access critical healthcare services. The ongoing conflict and lack of clean water and sanitation have further exposed displaced and vulnerable populations to severe health risks, including waterborne diseases.
In response, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in partnership with the European Union, launched an emergency humanitarian project in South-Kivu province to support both host communities and displaced populations. The project provides integrated medical, psychosocial, and socio-economic assistance to survivors of GBV, aiming to improve their safety, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Health workers at local facilities, like the Numbi Health Centre, play a critical role in delivering prenatal care, psychological support, and referral services, despite facing limited resources and infrastructural challenges.
Healthcare providers encounter complex situations, such as women giving birth from pregnancies resulting from rape, often without basic supplies or family support. The EU-funded IRC project has strengthened the capacity of local staff through training in GBV response, psychological care, and family planning. Additional infrastructure, including consultation shelters, patient triage buildings, and proper waste management facilities, has been built to enhance service delivery. Despite challenges like poor electricity and difficult access, the project has improved healthcare outcomes and fostered hope for recovery among survivors.
Community-based support plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of survivors. Nadine, a survivor of sexual violence, found emotional stability and practical support through an IRC-led community-based organization. She now contributes to the organization while gaining new skills, including basket weaving, and has started a small business selling sweet potatoes after receiving livelihood training and a small grant. This has allowed her to achieve financial independence, support her children’s education, and rebuild her confidence and social connections.
The IRC’s partnership with the European Union delivers comprehensive humanitarian aid in the DRC, including primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive health services, water, sanitation, and hygiene support, safe spaces for GBV survivors, training for health workers, rehabilitation of hospitals and clinics, community-based cohesion activities, and income-generating opportunities. Together, these initiatives help communities survive, recover, and rebuild, offering both immediate relief and long-term pathways toward resilience and recovery for the most vulnerable populations.
