The United Nations’ General Secretary, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon visited HEAL Africa this  Thursday, May 23^rd, 2013 at around 11 am local time during his visit to Goma, County town of the North Kivu, Province of the DRC torn by many violences caused by different wars.

Accompanied by the President of the World Bank Group, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, and his Special Envoy in the Great Lakes region, Mrs. MARY ROBINSON, they were received in HEAL Africa hospital by the Legal Representative of HEAL Africa, Hon. Dr. JO LUSI, accompanied by Dr. DENIS MUKWEGE from Panzi Hospital and all the staff of HEAL Africa.

For soaking up the reality of sexual and gender based violence phenomenon in eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is considered as weapon of war, the UN General Secretary, Ban Ki-Moon with his delegation visited some women victims of sexual violence who have undergone/received surgeries for vesico-vaginal fistula due to rape, and those who are still waiting for their surgeries in the transit Center of HEAL Africa.

“I am angry that women and girls have to endure such barbarity. This must stop” said Ban Ki-Moon after his visit.

Here is his remarks at Press Encounter:

Ban Ki-Moon: “As you know, we have just concluded a visit to the Heal Africa hospital. I was deeply moved by the stories and suffering that we heard.  The visit brought out strong feelings.

First, I am angry that women and girls have to endure such barbarity, here or anywhere.  This must stop.

Second, I am humbled at their courage to overcome their wounds.  I thank the dedicated doctors and nurses who are helping here and elsewhere.

Third, I am determined to do more to bring security and opportunity to these women and their communities. That is why I am here with World Bank President Dr. Jim Yong Kim.”

The visit of the UN General Secretary has coincided with the first celebration of the international day of fistula, celebrated for the first time on May 23^rd, 2013. Ban Ki-Moon promised to invest in women and girls who are most victims of these barbarities.

Ban Ki-Moon: “We must invest in the people who have suffered so much. We must invest in women and girls. Today is the first International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. Many women and girls at this hospital suffer from fistula after enduring brutal rapes. In pain, and often unable to control bladder and bowels, they are disabled and often shunned by society.”

The UN General Secretary finished his visit by commending the work done by HEAL Africa and Panzi Hospital in Bukavu to heal these wounded women; he also urged all of the region’s leaders to work together to realize the potential of the agreement which is aimed at realizing the full potential of the people.

For more details contact the Media Team of HEAL Africa at Media@143.198.118.190
Pytchen KALONDA at +243 813127810 / +243 995477743