In the vast and diverse landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), women’s health has long been a pressing concern. The DRC presents a formidable challenge with a history of conflict, limited health care access and staggering maternal mortality rates. This narrative explores the profound impact of Doctors Without Borders on women’s health in the DRC, a story encompassing life-saving interventions and women’s empowerment woven intricately into the fabric of this remarkable journey.

Maternal Health and Sexual Violence

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) grapples with a profound and interconnected women’s health crisis, characterized by two critical dimensions: maternal health challenges and the scourge of rampant sexual violence. This crisis paints a harrowing picture, with the DRC consistently ranking among the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates globally. The startling figure of 547 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, as classified by the World Health Organization, underscores the severity of this issue, marking it as “very high” on the global scale.

Factors contributing to this dire situation include a shortage of skilled health care providers, limited access to quality maternal care in remote regions and the enduring consequences of armed conflict that have ravaged the nation’s health care infrastructure. These barriers encompass health care infrastructure, socio-economic hurdles and weak health governance, making it a multifaceted challenge.

Unfortunately, many women continue to depend on traditional birth attendants, resulting in critical delays when complications arise. These delays often lead to devastating outcomes such as stillbirths and obstetric fistulas, inflicting severe health consequences on mothers and infants. Moreover, the lack of timely access to cesarean sections remains a significant challenge, further underscoring the urgency of improving maternal health care services in the region. 

In tandem with maternal health issues, sexual violence has cast a long shadow over the DRC, leaving countless women physically and psychologically scarred. Shockingly, one in two women in the DRC reports having experienced physical or sexual abuse at least once. 

Rape, disturbingly, has been weaponized as a tool of war, with dire consequences resonating throughout communities, perpetuating cycles of trauma and stigma. Indeed, multiple warring factions, including the Congolese Army and various rebel groups, have employed rape as a deliberate warfare strategy, amplifying the urgency of this complex and interconnected women’s health crisis. 

Doctors Without Borders’ Approach to Women’s Health

In the face of the escalating conflict in 2022, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF) exhibited unwavering commitment to women’s health in the DRC. Operating in challenging environments, MSF embarked on a multifaceted approach to address women’s pressing health care needs. 

In the conflict-affected regions of Rutshuru, Binza, Kibirizi and Bambo, MSF provided crucial support to local health facilities. Their interventions spanned a wide spectrum of medical activities, including providing intensive care, surgical procedures, therapeutic nutrition and specialized treatment for survivors of sexual violence. The organization’s presence and dedication were instrumental in ensuring that women in these regions had access to life-saving medical care despite the challenging circumstances. 

Moreover, MSF’s commitment extends beyond immediate medical needs. They focused on the comprehensive well-being of women, including their sexual and reproductive health. This focus encompassed vital services such as HIV and tuberculosis treatment, sexual and reproductive health care, safe abortion care and mental health services. By providing a holistic range of services, MSF aims to address existing health issues and empower women to make informed decisions about their bodies and well-being.

In Salamabila, MSF introduced innovative programs such as “husband schools” and awareness sessions on sexual violence. These initiatives aimed to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence and promote gender equality. By engaging with both women and men in the community, MSF sought to challenge traditional norms and behaviors contributing to sexual violence and discrimination.

The Organization’s Impact

Doctors Without Borders has made an indelible impact on women’s health in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exemplifying their commitment to saving lives and empowering women. In their tireless efforts, MSF treated a staggering 10,000 patients for sexual violence, a testament to their unwavering dedication to addressing this critical issue. 

Since the resurgence of conflict in 2022, MSF’s teams have remained steadfast in their mission. Between April 17 and 30, 2023, they provided critical care to 314 victims of sexual violence in Bulengo, Lushagala, Kanyaruchinya, Eloime and Munigi camps — areas that have faced a shortage of humanitarian assistance. This timely intervention offered much-needed medical and psychological support to survivors and underscored MSF’s commitment to reaching the most vulnerable, even in the most challenging environments. 

With a dedicated team of over 2,670 full-time staff, Doctors Without Borders’s impact on women’s health in the DRC has been monumental. Their holistic approach, spanning medical care, trauma support, community engagement and awareness initiatives, has saved lives and nurtured empowerment and resilience among women. MSF’s unwavering dedication and adaptability in the face of evolving health care challenges continue to be indispensable in pursuing a brighter and healthier future for Congolese women. Their work is a source of inspiration, illuminating the path toward improved women’s health and gender equality in the DRC. 

Moving Forward

However, comprehensively addressing the crisis goes beyond infrastructure development. Political change and reform are vital components of a sustainable solution. In certain African nations, like Mauritania and Kenya, governments have taken bold steps by prohibiting home births to reduce serious complications due to home deliveries in remote areas, a doctor working for the organization explained in the interview. Such policies aim to ensure safer deliveries and reduce maternal mortality, highlighting the potential impact of political initiatives in addressing the challenges faced by women in health care access.

Doctors Without Border’s work exemplifies the path to a brighter and healthier future for Congolese women. This collective effort, driven by compassion, dedication and a commitment to justice, is essential for progress in the challenging health care landscape of the DRC.

– Hannah Klifa
Photo: Flickr