What is the impact of USAID funding cuts on rape survivors in eastern Congo?

The cancellation of USAID funding has resulted in a severe shortage of crucial Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) kits, leaving rape survivors in eastern Congo vulnerable to HIV and pregnancy.

Why are PEP kits so important for rape victims in Congo?

PEP kits contain medication that can prevent HIV and pregnancy if administered within 72 hours of sexual assault, making them a life-saving intervention for survivors.

How has the conflict in eastern Congo affected sexual violence and access to care?

An increase in fighting has coincided with a spike in sexual violence. Survivors often find that even when they seek help, essential medical supplies like PEP kits are unavailable.

Home / War and Conflict / Congo Rape Crisis: US Aid Cuts Leave Victims Exposed

Congo Rape Crisis: US Aid Cuts Leave Victims Exposed

22 Dec

•

Summary

US funding cuts left Congolese rape victims without vital PEP kits.
Victims face delays in essential medical care, risking HIV and pregnancy.
Sexual violence has spiked amid ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.

Congo Rape Crisis: US Aid Cuts Leave Victims Exposed

In eastern Congo, a drastic reduction in U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding has led to a critical shortage of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) kits, leaving numerous rape survivors without essential preventative care. These kits, vital for averting HIV infection and unwanted pregnancies within a 72-hour window, are now scarce, impacting tens of thousands of women and girls in a region where sexual violence is rampant.

The cancellation of a significant contract with Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA), the sole supplier of PEP kits to the region, has had devastating immediate effects. Reports indicate a sharp decline in the percentage of survivors receiving necessary medication, exacerbating the risks of STIs and unplanned pregnancies. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of escalating conflict, which has seen a significant rise in reported sexual assaults throughout eastern Congo this year.