On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, HEAL Africa, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), officially launched the project titled “Emergency Multisectoral Prevention and Response to the Needs of Survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Protection Against Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (EAS) in North Kivu, in the health zones of Kayna, Lubero, and Alimbongo.” The ceremony, filled with collective joy, took place in the rural commune of Lubero, in the presence of administrative authorities and other distinguished guests.

This occasion provided an opportunity to present the project to stakeholders and implementing partners. Funded by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF) through UNFPA, the project will be implemented from September 12, 2024, to March 11, 2025, targeting 7,521 direct beneficiaries and 80,000 indirect beneficiaries. With the overarching goal of reducing cases of GBV and ensuring a holistic approach to care for internally displaced persons in North Kivu, the project offers integrated multisectoral assistance (medical, psychosocial, legal/judicial, and socioeconomic/school reintegration).

The project relies on community-based organizations, women-led structures, and associations for persons with disabilities, in collaboration with the Provincial Gender Division and the Provincial Health Division. UNFPA program coordinator and decentralized office head in Goma, Ms. Tolotra Andriamanana, emphasized the importance of the UNFPA – HEAL Africa partnership, stating, “I am convinced that our collaboration will be beneficial for women and girls who are survivors of GBV and SEA in the communities affected by the project, where women suffer the consequences of armed conflicts.” This statement was echoed by Lieutenant Guelord, legal advisor and representative of the military administrator of Lubero territory, who stressed the need for a coordinated response to the challenges posed by GBV in the region.

Addressing the Needs of Survivors and Mitigating GBV Risks

In addition to the integrated multisectoral response that includes medical and psychological care, legal support, and referrals to judicial bodies, as well as socioeconomic and/or educational reintegration, capacity building in GBV risk mitigation, case management, and information reporting is also planned for
service providers, community leaders, managers of internally displaced persons camps, and security personnel.

Nearly 2,992 girls and women who are survivors or at risk of GBV/EAS will each receive a dignity kit. Additionally, 926 women and girls will benefit from actions aimed at their recovery, well-being, and empowerment through vocational training organized in safe and secure spaces. Raising awareness among community members, including internally displaced persons and security forces, is essential for
preventing GBV incidents and facilitating access to necessary services.

Finally, the project will establish a safe space in each of the three health zones covered and strengthen existing ones, thereby promoting recovery, well-being, and empowerment for girls and women within
the community.

HEAL Africa has been collaborating with UNFPA since 2019 to improve the well-being of the population,
particularly those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The recently launched project in Lubero aims to mitigate the risks of gender-based violence and exploitation
and sexual abuse in a context of mass displacement due to the resurgence of conflict in the region.