Press action medeor

On International Women’s Day, the wine bar Pane e Vino, run by Gianni Trentin and located on Kirchstraße in St. Tönis, opened its doors as early as 2 p.m. and invited guests to enjoy prosecco and cake. “Part of the day’s proceeds were to be donated to a project that supports women’s health,” says Angela Serra, who is part of the group of friends behind the initiative.

Gianni Trentin, Angela Serra, and Isabel Thiele - also a member of the group - were subsequently able to present a donation of 200 euros to action medeor. “Thanks to two anonymous female donors, the amount was increased slightly,” says Isabel Thiele with delight. For the handover of the donation, the initiators met with Stephanie Wickerath from action medeor at the wine bar. “While action medeor is primarily known as a humanitarian pharmaceutical organization, we also support around 50 health projects worldwide,” explains the organization’s representative.

One of these projects benefits women in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Armed groups and the army are engaged in ongoing fighting there,” says Wickerath. “The main victims of this violence are women and children.” According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), more than 80,000 cases of rape were documented between January and September 2025.

“Most aid organizations have withdrawn from the region,” Wickerath explains. Action medeor, however, continues to support healthcare services in South Kivu and has recently been able to recruit a doctor and a surgeon from Uganda who specialize in operating on women who have experienced sexual violence.

Anyone wishing to support the work of action medeor can do so by making a donation. Online donations are possible at www.medeor.de/spende. Donations can also be made via bank transfer to IBAN DE78 3205 0000 0000 0099 93 at Sparkasse Krefeld, reference: “Emergency Aid DR Congo”