Location: North-Kivu province

Situation:

Nord-Kivu, in Eastern DRC, is beginning to re-stabilise after a gradual return to peace, despite repeated incidents and some areas of insecurity. Doctors of the World (DOW) is supporting local institutions and civil society in tackling HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence, two issues which affect the population in this post-conflict setting. 

Activities:

Since 2003, this project has involved an integrated approach to tackling sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. DOW provides technical and financial support to the health authorities and to national organisations to implement basic measures. These include: six pilot STI services integrated within health centres; two testing services  integrated into health centres; two HIV services within Goma general hospital and Virunga hospital (care and ARV treatment); one  adolescent health service covering STIs, HIV/AIDS and reproductive health; two prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services; blood transfusion safety in Goma hospital services; psychological and social support for people living with HIV, and awareness-raising and social mobilisation among the general public in Goma and Karisimbi. As a result of the project 4,000 patients in follow-up, of which more than 700 are on ARV treatment. 6,000 people were tested and 600,000 people benefited from awareness-raising activities by our local partners.
Outlook:

The local actors involved in the fight against HIV have reached a level of maturity and experience necessary to take over the activities. DOW is providing technical and financial support, with a view to complete transfer of responsibilities to ensure the programme is sustainable.