South Kivu / Democratic Republic of Congo
Health, nutrition and roads
In spite of the efforts towards stabilisation and peace in the DR Congo, the situation of the population in the province of South Kivu remains alarming. The socioeconomic infrastructure in this region is still poorly developed. Many areas were and still are inaccessible because of the long period of armed conflicts. As a consequence, humanitarian aid does not reach, and if so only partially, reaches the population. Already since 1996 Malteser International has been the only non-governmental organisation (NGO) working in this region.
- In Mulungu, women are sensibilised for the possibilities of safe delivery at the hospital.
- The villagers rehabilitate streets and bridges through "cash-for-work"-programmes.
Together with local partner organisations Malteser
International carries out a multisectoral programme. In eight health
zones, the teams are implementing projects in the sectors of health
(support of the health system, aid for victims of sexual violence and
for trauma patients), food distribution, and rehabilitation of
infrastructure (roads and bridges). Besides, Malteser International
supports income generating measures to encourage the self-help
capacities of the population.
To provide basic health care for the population, Malteser International works together with national and local health facilities. The health zones are thereby getting strategic and financial assistance. In the future, the health zones will be able to provide basic health care in the region on their own. To facilitate the access of to the people to health care, Malteser International provides drugs at subsidised prices, thus reducing the costs for the patients. For especially vulnerable groups the access to drugs is free of charge. In addition, Malteser International supports hospitals treating women with high-risk pregnancies. Through this comprehensive multisectoral programme in South Kivu, Malteser International also contributes to the development of a functioning secondary health care system.
An important element of the health programme of Malteser International is the psychosocial and medical care for victims of sexual violence as well as for trauma patients. Chosen health centres offer PEP treatment (Post Exposure Prophilaxis) to women, who have become victims of sexual violence. This treatment reduces the risk of a HIV infection. In cooperation with 16 local partner organisations and womens groups Malteser International also provides psychological. For trauma patients, Malteser International supports a trauma centre in the region. Additional income generating activities for the affected people facilitate their reintegration into society. Besides, Malteser International provides food assistance for vulnerable groups like families with malnourished children or IDPs (Internally Displaces Persons).
At any rate, the well-being and the health of a population is always closely connected with the infrastructure of the country. That is why the rehabilitation and improvement of the traffic links in the region is another focus of the work of Malteser International.
To provide basic health care for the population, Malteser International works together with national and local health facilities. The health zones are thereby getting strategic and financial assistance. In the future, the health zones will be able to provide basic health care in the region on their own. To facilitate the access of to the people to health care, Malteser International provides drugs at subsidised prices, thus reducing the costs for the patients. For especially vulnerable groups the access to drugs is free of charge. In addition, Malteser International supports hospitals treating women with high-risk pregnancies. Through this comprehensive multisectoral programme in South Kivu, Malteser International also contributes to the development of a functioning secondary health care system.
An important element of the health programme of Malteser International is the psychosocial and medical care for victims of sexual violence as well as for trauma patients. Chosen health centres offer PEP treatment (Post Exposure Prophilaxis) to women, who have become victims of sexual violence. This treatment reduces the risk of a HIV infection. In cooperation with 16 local partner organisations and womens groups Malteser International also provides psychological. For trauma patients, Malteser International supports a trauma centre in the region. Additional income generating activities for the affected people facilitate their reintegration into society. Besides, Malteser International provides food assistance for vulnerable groups like families with malnourished children or IDPs (Internally Displaces Persons).
At any rate, the well-being and the health of a population is always closely connected with the infrastructure of the country. That is why the rehabilitation and improvement of the traffic links in the region is another focus of the work of Malteser International.
- Improvement of the basic health care for the population
- Support of the health facilities in eight health zones
- Medical and psychosocial support for victims of sexual violence
- Psychological treatment of trauma patients
- Rehabilitation of the infrastructure
- Food aid for IDPs and families with malnourished children
| Project data | |
| Duration: | since March 2010 |
| Financing: | ECHO (Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission), Malteser International, donations |
| Partner: | national and local health authorities and local partners |
| Contact | |
| Malteser: | Nina Wöhrmann |
| info(at)malteser-international.org | |
Media library
The health system in the eastern Congo is improved by the training of the staff at the health facilities.(Photo: ich.TV)
