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.

The consequences of these funding cuts extend beyond immediate medical care. USAID-supported programs aimed at reducing stigma and aiding survivors' economic recovery have also been eliminated. While other international donors are attempting to fill the void, the swift withdrawal of U.S. support has created a significant gap, leaving many vulnerable individuals without the crucial interventions they desperately need to survive and seek justice.