Background
Congo has been called the "worst humanitarian disaster since World War II" by the International Rescue Committee. An estimated 3.9 million people have died due to the conflict since 1998. The eastern region of Congo, where HEAL Africa works, is characterized by extreme violence, mass population displacements, widespread rape, and a collapse of public health services. The outcome has been a humanitarian disaster unmatched by any other in recent decades, but one that has drawn little response from the international community. In the midst of this conflict faith communities are the one constant presence and reach into every village. In the midst of this conflict HEAL Africa exists to provide social, physical, and spiritual healing.
HEAL Africa
HEAL Africa was born in 1994 out of a vision to upgrade rural health care by re-training medical practitioners. Congolese orthopedic surgeon, Dr Jo Lusi, the co-founder, and his wife, Lyn Lusi, recognized that a far more radical approach was required. To significantly impact health long-term, disease must be addressed at its roots; the community must be involved and engaged, and cultural values, attitudes and practices examined. HEAL Africa remains deeply committed to continuing medical education, and is equally committed to enabling conflict-ridden communities become transformed, healthy and dynamic. HEAL Africa has become a networking center for social activist organizations involved in improving people's health: victims of violence of all ages, widows, orphans, HIV/AIDS awareness and care programs, nutrition through agriculture, and work with the handicapped.
HEAL Africa works with all of the local faith-based communities (Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, and Kimbanguist) and is supported by international organizations such as UNICEF, USAID, IRC, World Bank, German Development Bank, the Clinton Foundation and many individuals and churches to rebuild the spiritual, social and economic fabric of society.
A Background of Conflict
Since 1992, Central Africa has been torn apart by a war in which over four million people have lost their lives. In 2000, Madeleine Albright suggested this war was of such great magnitude and regional impact that "it could be described as Africa's first world war". Law and order has broken down. The remaining militias continue to rape, loot, and destroying remote villages.
The international community has recently helped negotiate a peace settlement, which has begun to stabilize the region. People are tired of war and very optimistic about the future. And because of our medical specialists, HEAL Africa is called upon to deal with the physical, psychological and emotional consequences of this war.
Goma
The city of Goma lies on the eastern edge of the Democratic Republic of Congo, bordering the country of Rwanda (area map). During the genocide of 1994, the UNHCR estimates that nearly a million refugees sought shelter in the area. After the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in 2002, tens of thousands of families lost their homes. Unlike the rural areas which are very fertile, Goma is built on volcanic lava without water supply or soil, making it very difficult for the population to support themselves. 70% of families in the area have an average monthly income of less less than $25.
Sexual Violence against Women
Women have born the brunt of the war. We are only now beginning to see the extent of the suffering of women whose villages have been destroyed, whose husbands have been killed, whose children have grown up without an education, and who have been raped, tortured and enslaved by militia. As of August 2006, over 4,200 violated women have been identified by the forty counselors working in Masisi Territory alone. Rape has been systematically used as a weapon of war. These women are left with huge physical and psychological needs which HEAL Africa is beginning to address.