Email 468 | Panzi Foundation

KEEP THE SURVIVORS AT THE CENTER

At the heart of Panzi Hospital is the Sexual Violence Survivors Unit (SVS). This specialized unit embodies our holistic and trauma-informed approach, offering survivors a true sanctuary for medical, emotional and social healing, while helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.

For 13 years, Dr. Sylvie has worked with survivors through Panzi’s programs and now heads the SVS Unit. She ensures that more than 1,000 survivors of sexual violence receive high-quality medical and psychosocial care.

At the SVS Unit, survivors receive comprehensive and life-saving medical treatment tailored to their specific needs, including surgical and wound care, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) kits, maternity services, as well as food and accommodation—all completely free of charge.

« What makes me proud to work at Panzi is the promptness to provide care. »

In 2024 alone, Dr. Sylvie and her team treated 1,206 survivors and performed 465 surgical procedures for women suffering from complex gynecological injuries, including fistulas and prolapses.

Since early 2025, when the conflict in eastern DRC intensified and Bukavu was occupied by rebel forces, Dr. Sylvie’s work has become more difficult, but also more necessary than ever.

« The biggest challenge lies in the inability to respond to emergency aid requests in certain areas that remain inaccessible due to ongoing human rights violations. »

Malgré les circonstances dévastatrices des dix derniers mois, Panzi a maintenu l’Unité SVS ouverte et approvisionnée en fournitures essentielles. Nous avons déployé des équipes de cliniques mobiles dans les zones reculées pour atteindre rapidement les survivantes, en veillant à ce que les cas les plus critiques bénéficient d’un transport sûr vers l’Unité SVS pour des soins spécialisés.

Cependant, de nombreuses communautés restent inaccessibles et les cas de violences sexuelles dans l’est de la RDC ont augmenté de plus de 30% par rapport à l’année dernière.