Democratic Republic of the Congo

Fieldset

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the largest countries in Africa. This vast nation is rich in natural resources but has faced years of conflict.

A five-year conflict between government forces and rebels caused widespread civilian suffering. A peace deal was reached in 2003, but people in the east of the country continue to live in fear of violence from marauding militias and the army.

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) first worked in DRC in 1981. Our projects have responded to armed conflict, exclusion from healthcare, and both epidemic and endemic diseases, including Ebola.

Claire Harper

Midwife

The difference between life and death: A dramatic delivery in DRC

At Walikale hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, midwife Claire and her team need to make some quick decisions to save a tiny life...

21 Oct 2019 / 5 minute read

Wolfgang Funk

Anaesthetics

Football, family and a new challenge

Wolfgang travels by jeep from Goma to Mweso. A big project and an equally big challenge are waiting for him. But first Wolfgang looks for the most important thing: contact to the people.

11 Oct 2019 / 3 minute read

Wolfgang Funk

Anaesthetics

First stop: Goma

After more than 30 years in business and most recently in a management position, Wolfgang fulfilled a dream: he returned to his roots and set off into the unknown. He blogs from the start of his latest posting, the Democratic Republic of the Congo...

01 Oct 2019 / 3 minute read

Oussama Omrane

Cultural Mediator

Ebola: Letter from Biakato

Oussama blogs from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he shares the "vortex of emotion" experienced on the frontline of the fight against Ebola.

17 Sep 2019 / 9 minute read

Trish Newport

Project Coordination

Ebola: “Unless change happens, the outbreak isn’t going to end”

One year since the start of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epidemic not only still raging, it has become the second-worst in world history. Trish Newport, deputy coordinator of MSF’s Ebola response, reflects on the epidemic and the fight to contain it...

01 Aug 2019 / 7 minute read

Claire Harper

Midwife

“I am proud to offer these services”: How we’re improving women’s healthcare in DRC

The team in Walikale, DRC have seen first-hand the devastating impact sexual violence and unsafe abortion can have on their patients. Together they're ensuring that the services MSF offers can help. Midwife Claire blogs...

10 Jun 2019 / 8 minute read

Samy Gerges

Logistician

“I will carry the memories I made in the Congo for life”

Lebanese logistician Samy returns from the Democratic Republic of Congo after a perspective-changing assignment...

30 May 2019 / 5 minute read

Hannah Thompson

Midwife

A midwife in DRC: "Women deserve excellent care, the world over"

From morning clinics to late-night emergencies, UK midwife Hannah shares her experience working in a remote part of the Democratic Republic of Congo

07 May 2019 / 6 minute read

Alanah Jensen and the MSF team in Walikale, DRC

Alanah Jansen

Epidemiologist

How throwing a pen in the air helps us fight measles

Worldwide, tens of thousands of young children die from measles every year. After a recent outbreak in Walikale, DRC, MSF vaccinated 31,000 children against the disease, in a intensive, 15-day campaign. But will it be enough to stop the outbreak? Epidemiologist Alanah Jansen and her team are determined to find out...

03 May 2019 / 10 minute read

Charles Ssonko

Doctor

Innovation: A new approach to preventing HIV in Kimbi

In Kimbi, DRC, sex workers are keen to protect themselves from HIV. But having enough condoms, and persuading every client to wear one, can be a challenge. Dr Charles Ssonko describes an innovative project aiming to make a difference...

24 Apr 2019 / 5 minute read

Constance, Claire and Esperance celebrating international women's day

Claire Harper

Midwife

A joyful experience: Celebrating International Women's Day in DRC

Music, food and the opening of a life-saving new maternity building. US midwife Claire has a party to plan...

15 Apr 2019 / 8 minute read

Claire Harper

Midwife

A midwife in DRC: "The roads are like nothing I have ever seen"

US midwife Claire takes a bumpy ride to a remote healthcare centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo

14 Mar 2019 / 4 minute read