Doctors of the World: Community Approach to Health and Wellbeing

Democratic Republic of Congo 

Political turmoil, as well as chronic conflicts and humanitarian crises due to insecurity and violence, has deeply impacted the wellbeing of many in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The additional environmental hazards, including flooding and volcanic activity, has put many at risk without any access to care. In certain regions, the violence against civilians and the cases of human rights violations have increased significantly since 2020. The cases of gender-based violence have also increased by 73% since the previous year. 

In Kinshasa, the capital city of DRC, DotW has partnered with the local NGO Afia Mama. This NGO is a prominent figure at the community level and uses its platform to advocate for human rights and better sexual reproductive health (SRH), especially for women facing unwanted pregnancies. 

Through its partnership with Afia Mama, DotW has formulated a program that strengthens the supply of health services based on an approach adapted to young people, community mobilization, and advocacy, for legal access to family planning services. It is a staunch supporter of the Maputo Protocol, an international agreement that guarantees women’s rights, including  social and political equality with men, and improved autonomy in their health decisions and the termination of female genital mutilation. The program also works to bring schools together, to inform adolescents about their SRH and raises awareness about risks associated with clandestine abortions. Its primary goal is to reduce mortality linked to unsafe abortions that occuring in these communities.