Women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are experiencing staggering rates of violence, including conflict-related sexual violence as fighting continues to ravage the eastern DRC.

Almost 500 cases of sexual violence were reported in just a week in the Goma area, with almost 30% of those cases involving children. We know that this is likely just a snapshot of the problem, many more survivors of sexual violence are unable to reach care due to fear of retaliation, stigma in their communities, or services being cut off and defunded.

While violence rates soar, basic services are being shut down. The U.S. government has terminated all funding agreements with UNFPA — leaving millions of people worldwide at risk or without care. Eight UNFPA-supported mobile clinics, safe spaces, and listening centers are only partially functional, while the rest of the facilities that provide medical treatment and counseling to survivors in displacement camps have been looted. 

In Goma, with more than 2 million inhabitants, there are only three functioning hospitals able to provide clinical care to survivors of sexual assault and a handful of community-level health clinics that can provide basic emergency care.

Friend — Our mission to deliver care continues, despite the circumstances. Will you make a lifesaving gift today to help us continue to support these critical services and reach the most vulnerable living through crisis?

Thank you for your continued and generous support.

Sincerely,

Anu Surendran
Chief Executive Officer
USA for UNFPA