Kananga, capital of the Kasai-Central province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was recently the scene of a new initiative to combat sexual violence. The humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has decided to decentralize its health services by opening health centers in Tshimputu and Nkonko 1. This approach aims to bring care closer to victims, who were previously forced to travel long distances to access at the Kananga Provincial Reference Hospital.
MSF coordinator for the project to combat sexual violence in Kananga, Faida Kiamba, underlines the importance of this decentralization. By allowing access to care close to victims, it is possible to take care of cases more quickly and limit medical complications. So far, more than 330 patients have been treated at Tshimputu and Nkonko 1 health centers this year. MSF plans to completely disengage from these structures by the end of September, by handing over activities and providing medical inputs for the following six months.
This decentralization initiative also aims to strengthen the capacities of local health personnel in the medical and psychological care of victims of sexual violence. MSF teams trained staff at the Kananga Provincial Referral Hospital and seven other health structures in the city.
Denise, a nurse at the Nkonko 1 health center, testifies to the impact of this training on her work: “We are now autonomous during consultations for victims of sexual violence. Thanks to this support, we were able to care for 40 patients last July.” Staff training guarantees continuity of care once MSF leaves, and combined with community awareness, it allows for an effective approach to caring for victims.
The decentralization of health care and the capacity building of local staff therefore represent a significant step forward in the fight against sexual violence in Kananga. By providing access to care closer to victims and training staff in quality care, MSF and its partners are helping to improve the health and well-being of survivors of sexual violence in the region.
Finally, MSF’s initiative in Kananga highlights the importance of decentralizing health services and training local staff to effectively combat sexual violence. By bringing care closer to victims and strengthening staff skills, it is possible to significantly improve the care of survivors and limit the medical and psychological consequences of sexual violence.