The humanitarian caravan for vesicovaginal surgery, led by 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Denis Mukwege has arrived in Mbandaka, Equateur Province. More than 100 women with fistula will receive free care.

On hand to greet Dr Mukwege was Dr Yoursen Bosolo, medical coordinator for our project partner, Disciples of Christ Community in Congo (CDCC).  Dr Bosolo trained in fistula repair surgery with Dr Mukwege at Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, DRC. With the support of DAK Foundation, Dr Bosolo received further training from Australian surgeon Judith Gho in Uganda. He repairs approximately 40 fistula cases every month.

Dr Bosolo (right) with diploma following fistual repair training with Dr Mukwege and Prof Creze in 2019.

Obstetrical fistulas are one of the devastating consequences of sexual abuse and difficult childbirth. An obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening that forms between the vagina and the bladder or rectum, usually as a result of a prolonged, difficult childbirth without proper medical assistance. This causes social stigma for affected women.

DAK Foundation continues support for family planning in Equateur Province

Thank you to DAK Foundation in Sydney for their ongoing support of family planning services in the low resource Equateur Province, facilitated by the CDCC healthcare team. DAK is providing stipends for healthcare workers in 16 health posts, as well as Jadelle and Sayana Press contraceptives.

If you would like to see more of what HandUp Congo do visit their website www.handupcongo.org