September 1, 2024 — As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of Panzi Hospital today, it is not a matter of celebrating, but of solemnly acknowledging the tragedy of the martyred communities in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and reflecting on the reasons why women come through our doors.

Indeed, this anniversary is not a moment of joy but of deep bitterness, for the conflict that existed when Panzi was founded is still raging. For 25 years, we have been repairing bodies and souls torn apart by the brutal use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. The fact that every day we continue to operate on new generations of women and girls who have suffered this unimaginable violence testifies to the gravity of the crisis that persists in our region torn apart by armed violence.  

Yet even in the midst of the worst atrocities, Panzi Hospital has become a refuge and a symbol of hope for the most vulnerable. Over the past quarter century, in addition to providing medical care, we have responded to violence with love, and sought to transform suffering into strength by accompanying more than 83,000 survivors of sexual violence on the path to healing, autonomy and dignity.

Despite the context of war that compels us to continue our work, we must also recognize the profound impact Panzi has had. Panzi Hospital and Foundation have become places where shattered lives are rebuilt, where women reclaim their bodies and where a community of survivors help each other. Panzi’s achievements are a testament to the resilience and strength of women, and to the power of collective action. We would also like to salute the dedication and professionalism of our staff, who work every day in difficult conditions, and to express our gratitude to all our partners, cooperators and donors who have enabled us to pursue our mission.

Over the years, we have not only provided medical and surgical care, but also introduced specialized services and state-of-the-art technologies that are unique in the heart of Africa. Our hospital is a leader in the use of laparoscopy and other advanced medical procedures, offering our patients the most advanced standards of care. The one-stop-shop model we developed at Panzi, which integrates medical, psychological, socio-economic and legal support in one place, is now being replicated across the DRC and is becoming standardized worldwide. This model establishes a new, holistic approach to healthcare, aimed not only at curing patients but also at empowering survivors to regain control of their lives.

This holistic approach also fosters the emergence of female leadership, a powerful force for social transformation. When women are empowered, entire communities benefit: the social fabric is strengthened, development advances, and peace emerges. The leadership developed at Panzi is crucial not only for the individuals we support, but also for laying the foundations for a fairer, more equal and more peaceful society.

But we want to send a clear message on this day of commemoration: Panzi should not exist in its present form. Its vocation is to become a place where women come to bring new life into the world in the best possible conditions, not to recover from the ravages of war and human barbarity. It should be a center of life, not a refuge from violence. Our vision is of a world where Panzi Hospital is known not for its work treating survivors of sexual violence, but for the joy of childbirth and the health of women and children.

It is therefore not enough to treat the symptoms of violence; we must also tackle its root causes. The scourges of toxic masculinity, the illegal exploitation of conflict minerals, the culture of impunity and the lack of legitimacy of institutional actors are all factors that fuel the recurring cycles of violence that bring victims to our doorstep. It is imperative to tackle the main drivers of chronic conflict in the DRC if we are to put an end to the suffering endured by countless women and girls for generations.

We also need to address the weakest link in our healthcare chain: access to justice. There can be no real healing without justice. Justice is not only an effective tool of prevention but also an essential element of rehabilitation, but it depends on the will of the state and institutions that all too often fail to meet the needs of those who need it most. Above all, we must strive for peace, the greatest aspiration of the victims we serve. Without peace, there can be no real recovery, no return to the original vocation of Panzi Hospital: to be a place where women come to give life.

As we stand at the crossroads, let us be inspired by the courage of the women we serve. They are true heroines, whose strength and resilience inspire us every day to pursue our mission. Their stories cannot leave us indifferent, and should encourage us to redouble our efforts to combat all forms of injustice and work for lasting peace. We must not only heal today’s wounds, but also work tirelessly to prevent tomorrow’s violence and put an end to this endless war.

As we reflect on these 25 years, let us renew our commitment to this mission. Let us continue to innovate, to lead and to demand justice and peace for all. Our work is far from over, but with hope, determination and solidarity, we can build a future where the services of the Sexual Violence Unit at Panzi Hospital are no longer needed, and where our workforce is fully focused on comprehensive women’s health.

In the face of adversity, we must never lose hope. Hope is the light that guides our actions in the darkest of times, and our actions will contribute to the return of peace and dignity for all.

Dr. Denis Mukwege

President and Founder, Panzi Hospital and Foundation

2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate