The situation for women and girls is deteriorating in conflict-affected Eastern Congo. More than 8,200 people living with HIV have lost access to antiretroviral treatment. Due to program termination, emergency post-rape care kits are vanishing, even as the rate of sexual violence remains high.
Date: 7/25
Region: Africa
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Topic: Health, Gender Equality & Inclusion
Policy Lens: Security & Resilience
Additional Context: UNICEF reported that children could account for 35% to 45% of nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence in January and February 2025 alone. The U.N. registered 67,000 incidences of rape from February to July 2025, approximately 450 cases per day. The UNFPA noted that only 7 out of 34 health zones in North Kivu have a minimal supply of post-rape kits left. Less than one-in-four survivors' needs are currently being met. Only 13% of survivors that request help receive medication to prevent HIV within the recommended 72-hour window.
Researcher Note: The post-rape kits come in a box containing HIV medication to prevent infection within 72 hours, antibiotics and testing for sexually transmitted diseases and emergency contraception. The supplies paid for by USAID were meant to reach over 2,000 facilities. The USAID program responsible for providing these kits remains terminated.