Support to the hospital and the Panzi Foundation

Context

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a severe and prolonged humanitarian crisis, characterised by armed conflict, large-scale population displacement and widespread sexual violence, particularly in the eastern part of the country. In this region, the Panzi Hospital—founded by Dr Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2018—has become a leading centre for the care of victims of sexual violence and for safe childbirth. The project supported by Luxembourg aims to strengthen the capacities of the hospital and the Panzi Foundation, which works to promote the socio-economic reintegration of survivors and their access to justice.

Objectives 

The project aims to create a safe and supportive environment conducive to the physical, emotional and social healing of women, while also strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services. Its approach is based on four pillars to provide comprehensive support to patients:

1. medical: specialised care, reconstructive surgery and safe childbirth;
2. psychosocial: psychological support for survivors;
3. socio-economic: reintegration through training and empowerment;
4. legal: access to justice and the fight against impunity.

Beneficiaries

The direct beneficiaries are the patients of the Panzi Hospital, with particular attention given to survivors of sexual violence. In 2024, over 4,000 patients received surgical interventions, and 95% of beneficiaries reported having received effective support for their reintegration.

Target geographical area

The project is implemented in South Kivu province, in the eastern part of the DRC—a region particularly affected by violence and where humanitarian needs are acute.

Stakeholders

The project is implemented by the Luxembourg Red Cross, in collaboration with the Panzi Hospital and Foundation, with the support of LuxDev.