The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Our Work in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
In the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), leprosy and complications of lymphatic filariasis are pervasive. There is a severe shortage of healthcare workers and clinics due to security reasons. As a result, patients often go without adequate care, and that leads to severe and permanent disabilities.
Parents with leprosy-related disabilities struggle to find work. With a heavy reliance on farming for survival, disability due to leprosy, prevents them from work. Because of this, families affected by leprosy suffer from extreme poverty. Children are forced to work, leaving very few choices for their future.
The stigma of leprosy is still rampant in these communities where leprosy is seen as a curse. Those living with obvious disability are excluded and their families pushed to the outer edges of the community. Mental health is a major public health challenge. We need your help to engage with the communities, helping families and neighbors understand that leprosy can be cured.
DRC at a Glance
- Over 12 million people are at risk of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.
- Around 70% of the population live below the poverty line, with limited access to basic healthcare services.
- Healthcare infrastructure is underdeveloped, with one doctor for every 10,000 people.
- Poor road infrastructure makes it difficult to reach rural areas, leaving communities isolated from care.
- Over 50% of the population suffers from malnutrition, exacerbating the impacts of disease.
DRC at a Glance
- Over 12 million people are at risk of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.
- Around 70% of the population live below the poverty line, with limited access to basic healthcare services.
- Healthcare infrastructure is underdeveloped, with one doctor for every 10,000 people.
- Poor road infrastructure makes it difficult to reach rural areas, leaving communities isolated from care.
- Over 50% of the population suffers from malnutrition, exacerbating the impacts of disease.
Programs in Congo (DRC)
EMPOWER
In this region, many villages are endemic for leprosy and lymphatic filariasis. Because of limited awareness about leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, many cases are found too late, leaving affected individuals with disabilities.
Misconceptions about neglected tropical diseases causes extreme discrimination. People are isolated and moved to the fringes of society. This has a serious impact on the mental health of individuals. Our partners are working hard to educate health workers and family members of those affected.
You can support community education, early detection, and treatment of leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, and other neglected tropical diseases to help prevent disability. Your gifts provide mental health support, locally made protective assistive devices—such as prosthetics and shoes—and fund micro-businesses. Together, we can stop these diseases before they take a heavy toll.
Join Us?