about Panzi Foundation and Hospital
Healing Survivors, Transforming Communities
Panzi Foundation & Hospital is dedicated to healing survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and creating lasting change in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege and with a DRC-based team of nearly 1000 people, the Panzi Foundation stands as a beacon of resilience and change. As one of the largest African-led nonprofits, Panzi is deeply rooted in the local communities it serves, committed to addressing the devastating impacts of SGBV through a holistic, survivor-centered approach.
At the heart of Panzi’s mission is the belief that healing extends beyond physical recovery. Our holistic care model integrates medical treatment, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and socioeconomic empowerment to ensure that survivors regain their dignity and rebuild their lives. This comprehensive care is provided through our hospital, One-Stop Centers, and mobile clinics, ensuring that survivors receive the full spectrum of support they need.
A world free from sexual & gender- based violence.
This drives everything we do, from treating survivors to advocating for systemic change.
To reduce the prevalence & impact of sexual & gender-based violence through holistic care & community outreach, promoting a more equitable & dignified future for all.
By addressing the physical, emotional, legal, and economic needs of survivors, we work toward a future where justice, equality, and peace are possible.
Established by Dr. Denis Mukwege in Bukavu, South Kivu, DRC, initially to provide maternal health care. It soon became a center for treating survivors of sexual violence during the region’s ongoing conflicts.
Mobile clinics were launched to bring Panzi’s holistic care model to remote and underserved areas, expanding access to essential medical and psychosocial support
Maison Dorcas was inaugurated in Bukavu as a transitional care facility offering survivors shelter, skills training, and socio-economic reintegration support.
Launched to support Panzi Hospital’s holistic care model and amplify advocacy efforts for survivors of sexual violence.
City of Joy came through a partnership with Eve Ensler and V-Day, this leadership center in Bukavu empowers survivors to heal and become leaders of change. Mulamba Hospital became the first One Stop Center (OSC) built to expand the holistic care model into rural areas.
Furthering Panzi’s mission, this hospital was established to provide medical care and holistic support to underserved populations.
In December, 11 men were convicted of crimes against humanity for the rapes of dozens of girls and the murder of two men. Survivors and civil parties were awarded reparations, with crucial legal support provided by Panzi’s legal team.
Dr. Denis Mukwege was honored for his work combating sexual violence as a weapon of war and advocating for justice. We also expanded Panzi’s holistic care model to the DRC’s capital, offering vital services in a new region.
Since our founding, Panzi Foundation has provided life-saving care to over 83,000 survivors of sexual violence and treated more than 26,000 women with complex gynecological injuries. These numbers reflect not just the depth of the need but also the resilience and strength of those we serve.
underserved people cared for at our general hospital, from treating broken bones to cancer
survivors treated across all programs at Panzi Hospital & Foundation since 1999
surgeries for women with complex gynecological injuries over 25 years
IT’S NOT JUST PERPETRATORS OF VIOLENCE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CRIMES, IT IS ALSO THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY.
Dr. Denis Mukwege
Proud winners of:
Our Theory of Change
We providing holistic care to victims of sexual and gender-based violence and education to the communities from which they come will transform society, largely through knowledge dissemination and policy change. Join us in creating a future where every individual can live free from violence and thrive in a more just and compassionate world.
The Panzi team is made up of 750+ Congolese doctors, nurses, psychologists, lawyers, and management professionals who are dedicated to the holistic care of survivors of sexual violence in DRC and around the world.
We are tremendously grateful for the support and collaboration of every member of the Panzi family, past and present. See our partners and supporters, or learn more about becoming one.
Panzi Foundation and Hospital is committed to transparency and accountability, providing access to its audited financials, annual tax filings, and tax-exempt status filings and certifications.
Together, we can end this crisis.