Stopping the spread of disease

The epidemic of HIV/AIDS in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a problem exacerbated by the prevalence of sexual assault in a conflict region. An estimated 30% of survivors of rape in Congo are infected with HIV, and according to a study at the National Institute of Health, “under extreme conditions, 10,000 women and girls in Congo who are victims of sexual violence could contract HIV/AIDS each year.” Action Kivu’s AIDS Outreach is a program led by our medical specialist who canvasses the community, providing HIV/AIDS testing, education, and prevention tactics. The program has been a transformative success: when the program was launched in 2016, it was met with suspicion and doubt, but now it is sought out by the men and women of the community. In 2018, with the support of donors to Action Kivu, Nurse Jeanine tested over 1400 people.

• People testing positive are offered access to treatment at a local clinic. They are taught how to manage the disease, breaking down the stigma surrounding it and saving lives.

• Student educators are trained to take their knowledge of prevention and treatment into their schools, teaching their peers and engaging their families and communities.

• The outreach also teaches family planning to men and women, who come to meetings to learn what contraceptives are available.