Panzi Hospital – Who We Serve
Supporting Survivors, Mothers, and Children
At Panzi Hospital, we are dedicated to providing care to all who need it, regardless of their background or circumstances. While our services extend beyond specific groups, survivors of sexual violence, mothers, and children represent key demographics we serve. Each of these groups faces unique challenges, and our specialized programs aim to address their distinct needs with compassion and expertise. Below, we outline our commitment to these critical populations and the impact of our work.
Survivors of Sexual Violence
Panzi Hospital established the Survivors of Sexual Violence Unit over two decades ago in response to the devastating prevalence of sexual violence in eastern Congo. This specialized unit embodies our holistic, trauma-informed approach to care, offering survivors a sanctuary for medical, emotional, and social healing while empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Medical Care
At Panzi Hospital, survivors receive comprehensive, life-saving medical treatment tailored to their unique needs:
- Surgical Interventions: Advanced and life-saving surgeries, including fistula repair and treatment for severe gynecological trauma.
- Treatment for STIs: Diagnosis, care, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Injury Care: Medical attention for non-gynecological injuries resulting from violence or trauma.
- Maternal and Child Healthcare: Comprehensive maternal care services, including safe deliveries and cesarean sections.
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Timely provision of PEP kits to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unwanted pregnancies when survivors arrive within 72 hours of an assault.
- Basic Needs Support: To ensure survivors can fully access medical care, essential support is provided, including childcare, accommodation, and nutritious meals throughout their treatment journey.
Psychosocial Support
Survivors are supported in their emotional and mental healing through a range of services, including:
- Individual and Group Therapy: Professional counseling sessions tailored to individual and collective needs.
- Art and Music Therapy: Creative therapies that offer emotional expression and relief.
- Community Healing Activities: Safe spaces for collective healing and peer support, facilitated by trained psychosocial assistants, often referred to as “Maman Chéries.”
Legal Aid
In partnership with Panzi Foundation, survivors receive critical legal assistance, including:
- Justice Navigation: Support in understanding and navigating the legal system.
- Forensic Evidence Collection: Assistance in gathering crucial evidence for legal proceedings.
- Legal Representation: Access to representation to ensure accountability for perpetrators and justice for survivors.
Socioeconomic Reintegration
Survivors are empowered to rebuild their lives and regain independence through programs facilitated in collaboration with Panzi Foundation:
- Vocational Training: Skills development tailored to sustainable employment opportunities.
- Business Development: Support in starting and managing small businesses.
- Financial Assistance: Access to microloans and resources to foster economic stability and self-sufficiency.
Our impact with survivors
At Panzi Hospital, every survivor has access to all these integrated services listed above, ensuring a truly holistic approach to healing, empowerment, and justice.
survivors of sexual violence have been treated at Panzi Hospital (out of the 83,000 total treated by Panzi Hospital and Foundation)
of survivors report feeling emotionally and socially empowered after receiving holistic care
surgeries completed (out of the total 26k for Panzi Hospital and Foundation)
I wanted to study so that I could help other Congolese women facing the same problems as me, and give them the same grace that I received.
Caring for Mothers
In a region with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, Panzi Hospital is a critical lifeline for mothers. Our maternal care program ensures that women have access to safe, high-quality care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Panzi delivers over 3,000 babies annually through our safe childbirth program. Skilled midwifery and emergency obstetric care, including cesarean sections and blood transfusions for high-risk pregnancies.
90% of high-risk pregnancies treated at Panzi result in healthy outcomes for mother and child. Through our postpartum care, we monitor for infections, offer breastfeeding support, and give nutritional counseling to promote healthy recoveries.
Maternal mortality rates among Panzi patients are less than half the national average. We offer support for survivors of SGBV and compassionate obstetric care for pregnant survivors of sexual violence, including trauma-informed medical and psychological support.
Supporting children
30% of sexual violence cases treated at Panzi involve children under 18. Children represent a vulnerable yet resilient demographic served by Panzi Hospital. Our pediatric programs address a range of needs, from neonatal care and nutrition to surgical interventions and trauma support for child survivors of sexual violence.
Neonatology: Advanced care for premature and critically ill newborns, equipped with incubators and specialized monitoring.
Nutrition Support: Holistic programs to combat malnutrition, including therapeutic feeding and family education.
Pediatric Surgery: Life-saving and reconstructive surgeries for conditions such as hernias, cleft palates, and trauma-related injuries.
Support for Child Survivors of Sexual Violence: Age-appropriate medical treatments and psychological care tailored to young survivors of sexual violence.
Expanding the Reach of Holistic Care
At Panzi Hospital, we are committed to delivering world-class care to survivors of sexual violence, mothers, and children—while maintaining a broader mission to serve all in need. Through our holistic approach, we aim to heal not just the body but the mind and spirit, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.
Stand up. Stand strong. Stand with us.