Democratic Republic of the Congo

Nearly four decades of war and government mismanagement have devastated the public health system in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Too little access to quality health care has resulted in high maternal and infant mortality rates alike. Basic services, such as family planning, are extremely limited, and both obstetric and traumatic fistula threaten the safety and quality of women’s lives. Undaunted by these challenges, EngenderHealth works in the DRC through its ACQUIRE Project.

Advancing Reproductive Health
As part of ACQUIRE, EngenderHealth works with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to improve family planning and reproductive health services in three zones: Lubero, Pinga, and Walikale. This includes strengthening the links between facilities and communities, so that individuals are aware of services and services can fully meet individuals’ needs.

In the eastern portion of the country, EngenderHealth has partners at two sites, Panzi Hospital and DOCS Heal-Africa, to address obstetric and traumatic gynecologic fistula. At each site, EngenderHealth is improving health providers' fistula repair and care skills, including counseling for women with fistula.