Mutual learning and solidarity: Ethiopian medical delegation visits Panzi in DRC

Ethiopian delegation visits Panzi in the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen holistic care for survivors of conflict related sexual violence 

The Mukwege Foundation organised a visit to Panzi Hospital and Foundation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for medical professionals from the Tigray region of Ethiopia to learn from Panzi’s renowned holistic care model for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). 

Bukavu, DRC—September 26, 2024: From September 23 to 27, a delegation of Tigrayan medical professionals visited Panzi Hospital and Foundation in Bukavu, DRC. This exchange is part of the Mukwege Foundation’s programme to strengthen capacity for providing quality, compassionate holistic care for survivors of CRSV in Ethiopia.  

Participants visited the institutions that make up the Panzi One-Stop Centre, a globally recognised standard for care for survivors of sexual violence. They shared mutual experiences and challenges with experts from Panzi, while gaining insights from lessons learned, best practices and innovations within Panzi’s holistic care model. 

“This visit is part of our strategy to improve access to holistic care for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence worldwide. These exchanges prove to inspire and encourage mutual learning and solidarity, and develop relationships to support improved holistic care for survivors”, says Katrien Coppens, Executive Director at the Mukwege Foundation.  

The Ethiopian delegation included general practitioners, a gynaecologist and a nurse, from One-Stop Centres, public hospitals and civil society organisations. This learning exchange was made possible through the Mukwege Foundation’s cooperation with the Embassy of France to Ethiopia and the African Union, aimed at working with medical and psychosocial professionals to enhance quality holistic care for survivors in Tigray and other conflict-affected contexts.  

The conflict in Tigray, which continues to impact other regions in Ethiopia such as Amhara and Afar, has devastated the lives of thousands and destroyed health and infrastructure. As a result, many victims and survivors are left without access to quality, compassionate holistic care. This learning exchange represents a step toward addressing this critical gap.  

We are impressed by the commitment of our partners, professionals and civil society actors in ensuring that this type of care is increasingly available. We are confident that this exchange will strengthen their advocacy and support for survivors, contributing to a future where survivors of CRSV receive the holistic care and reparations they need to rebuild their lives.  

About the Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation: 

The Mukwege Foundation is an international rights-based, survivor-centred organisation working to change the global response to conflict-related sexual violence. We support survivors’ demands for a world where sexual violence as a weapon of war is no longer tolerated and bears consequences for individual perpetrators and states. We work for a future where survivors receive the holistic care and compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We create opportunities for survivors to speak out and be heard, and where they can organise to create change, influence policies, and demand justice and accountability. For further inquiries, please contact us via Twitter : @MukwegeFound; LinkedIn : Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation; Facebook : facebook.com/Mukwegefoundation; Instagram : @mukwegefoundation or visit our website: www.mukwegefoundation.org.

About Panzi Hospital and Foundation: 

Panzi General Referral Hospital was founded in 1999 by Dr. Denis Mukwege. In response to the devastating war in eastern DRC, and high levels of sexual violence perpetrated in this context, the hospital soon became an epicentre of care for victims of sexual violence. Since then, Panzi Hospital has treated more than 50,000 patients, including survivors of sexual violence. In 2008, Panzi Foundation DRC was established, to complete other elements of a holistic-care package including socio-economic support and legal assistance. In later years, Panzi initiated different health and community-based facilities in other communities, all connected to the Panzi tertiary general hospital, for ease of referrals in case of need. All of these institutions form part of an eco-system known today as the Panzi one-stop-centre model of care. 

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