A new project with the Federal Foreign Office aims to give survivors of gender-based violence new hope. Photo: Fairpicture Info A new project with the Federal Foreign Office aims to give survivors of gender-based violence new hope. Photo: Fairpicture DR Congo Emergency health care, support for survivors of gender-based violence, acute malnutrition, WASH (cholera prevention) in South Kivu Programs Extreme violence, mass displacement, destroyed infrastructure, epidemics and the collapse of healthcare services characterise the conflict-ridden South Kivu region and make life almost unbearable for the local population. Almost half of the people in South Kivu are struggling to survive and are facing a food crisis or emergency; almost 75 per cent of households have insufficient or borderline food intake. Children under five, in particular, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are acutely affected by this and are suffering from malnutrition. Coupled with a dangerous combination of sexual violence, displacement, epidemics and a devastated healthcare system, the region finds itself in a persistent humanitarian crisis that is continuing to worsen. Over 70 healthcare facilities in the South Kivu region have been destroyed, with many more damaged. The shortage of staff, medicines, vaccines and functioning clinics is driving up mortality rates immensely, even for treatable diseases such as malaria, cholera, measles and mpox. The Ebola epidemic has exacerbated this situation even further. Improving hygiene conditions for the population Dangerous routes, landmines and attacks on infrastructure mean that humanitarian aid can only be provided to a limited extent. As part of a new project, action medeor aims to support local healthcare facilities in selected regions with medicines, medical equipment, sanitation facilities and expert guidance, in order to stabilise care provision in this acute emergency. Inadequate water and sanitation provision is a key factor in the outbreak and spread of disease. For this reason, the project includes a wide range of measures to improve drinking water and sanitation provision in the project region. The project specifically aims to ensure that survivors of sexual violence – often including children and women – as well as marginalised groups such as people with disabilities, have access to support, humanitarian assistance and medical care. Project descriptionProject Goal: Reducing morbidity and mortality in the conflict-affected regions of South Kivu by improving access to healthcare services (Outcome 1), by providing effective protection and support for victims of gender-based violence (Outcome 2), and by preventing and controlling diseases with epidemic potential (Outcome 3).Project Focus: Health, WASHTarget Group: The food security situation is alarming: out of a total population of around 971,000 people, over 445,000 are in IPC Phases 3 and 4 (crisis and emergency). 74 per cent of households have insufficient or borderline food consumption. Particularly affected are children under five (17 per cent) and pregnant and breastfeeding women (6 per cent), who are suffering from acute malnutrition. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence. Between January and March 2026, 2,905 new cases of rape were documented. Only a small proportion of those affected received access to emergency medical care, psychosocial support or legal assistance. Many survivors are also affected by social exclusion, extreme poverty and psychological trauma. People with disabilities often face multiple forms of discrimination, have little access to assistive devices, healthcare or protection services, and are frequently excluded from humanitarian assistance.Project Area: Health zones of Uvira, Ruzizi, Lemera and Nyantende, DR CongoProject Activities: Improving access to healthcare for vulnerable population groups, both in terms of quantity and quality: by supporting local healthcare facilities, by improving access to healthcare for vulnerable population groups in terms of both quantity and quality, and by supporting local healthcare facilities Ensuring medical care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in selected healthcare facilities by providing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) kits for the emergency medical treatment of survivors of gender-based violence. Improving the effectiveness of protective measures against waterborne diseases and associated epidemics (in particular cholera linked to Lake Tanganyika and the Ruzizi River) through the refurbishment or construction of sanitary facilities in healthcare facilities (showers, latrines, waste disposal areas including fencing) to ensure hygienic and safe care conditions. Project Duration: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2028 (24 months)Financial Volume: 5,871,495.24 Mio. € Partner Organisation: Association des Femmes pour la Promotion et le Développement Endogène - AFPDE asbl und Assistance aux Enfants Abandonnés et Orphelins / Centre nutritionnel et alimentaire (AEO/CNA) Funding: Foreign OfficeProject Number: 6100226 Your contact person Emmanuel Limi Senior Management Team Programmes Phone: +49 2156 9788-197 TPL_EMAIL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.