Empowering People Affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases to Lead Sustainable Change
| Location: | Ngombe and Tshisele Health Areas, Tshikapa Health Zone, Kasai Province, DRC |
| Timeline: | December 2023 to March 2026 |
| Partners: | The Leprosy Mission DRC (TLM-DRC) |
| Reach: | 659 direct beneficiaries; 36,264 indirect beneficiaries |
Challenge
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, buruli ulcer, and onchocerciasis continue to impact thousands of people—causing chronic pain, disability, and stigma that isolates individuals from their communities.
The impact goes far beyond physical symptoms. People affected by NTDs often experience severe psychological distress: a recent study in Kasai revealed that up to 80% of women and 58% of men living with NTDs screened positive for major depressive disorder. Access to care is limited, mental health support is almost non-existent, and the stigma surrounding visible disease leaves many to suffer in silence.
Solution: The EMPOWER Model
EMPOWER builds on the success of earlier initiatives by strengthening Community Support Groups (CSGs) in Ngombe and Tshisele. These groups are transforming the way people affected by NTDs care for themselves and one another—creating a sustainable, community-led system of emotional, physical, and economic support.
Through targeted capacity building, EMPOWER ensures that CSGs are not only surviving, but thriving—fully equipped to operate independently long after project funding ends.
Our Strategic Approach:
Holistic health support systems: Training peer helpers and CSG health leaders to monitor members’ physical and mental well-being, provide counselling, and ensure referrals to local health providers when needed.
Self-care empowerment: Developing health monitoring guides, supplying self-care kits, and hosting monthly group sessions that prevent further disabilities, reinforce dignity and promote self-management.
Stronger self-governance: Establishing management committees, training CSG leaders in leadership, decision-making, financial management, and supporting them to open bank accounts and manage their own Community Funds.
Economic resilience: Expanding income-generating activities (IGAs) like soap-making and community farming, while creating revolving micro-loan systems to strengthen financial independence.
Partnership and inclusion: Connecting CSGs with local and international NGOs, Disabled Persons’ Organizations, and community leaders to advocate for rights and inclusion.
The Impact We’re Creating
- Self-sustaining community groups that function independently and drive local development.
- Enhanced mental, physical, and socio-economic well-being for individuals and communities affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
- Stigma reduction through inclusive community engagement and visible advocacy by and for affected persons.
- Empowered local leaders with the capacity to lead, govern, and strengthen their own health systems.
- Stronger, more coordinated partnerships between NGOs, health facilities, and local governments to support long-term impact.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) don’t just harm the body—they undermine dignity, mental well-being, and the chance for a better future. EMPOWER shows what’s possible when those most affected are equipped with the tools, training, and trust to lead. From within their own communities, they create lasting change and build resilience where it’s needed most.
Why It Matters
With your support, we can expand this powerful model of hope—ensuring that healing, inclusion, and dignity are not the exception, but the norm for every community impacted by NTDs in the DRC and beyond.
