Location: Goma and Karisimbi districts
Situation:

Despite a wealth of natural resources, the economic, social and health systems in DRC have slowed down dramatically since the 1980s, followed by total collapse during two inter-African wars. During a long electoral process - supported by the international community - Joseph Kabila won the presidency, yet this has not brought any real political, economic or social stability to the country. Fighting started again in the East and on the Rwandan-Ugandan border in August 2008 and the regionalisation process was not implemented.

Activities:

Our programme is an integrated response to the AIDS epidemic by building capacity with local service providers. It is helping to create a collective and complementary response by supporting prevention and awareness-raising activities among the general public and specific vulnerable groups. The programme also aims to improve access to treatment for sexually transmitted diseases in the Goma health zone and to encourage take-up of voluntary testing. Finally, Doctors of the World (DOW) provides medical, psychological and social support to people living with HIV and develops prevention and care services for adolescents.

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.