Evaluation of medical supplies essential for the care of survivors of sex- and gender-based violence in post-conflict Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The fundamental concepts set forth in the formal Post-Conflict Needs Assessment (PCNA) initiative created by the United Nations Development Group have the potential to be adapted to assist local groups in documenting the needs of and the provision of health care to survivors of sex- and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In partnership with Congolese health care providers, we took the first step in advocating for a locally-adapted and focused needs assessment through the development and administration of surveys to providers in the South Kivu Province, DRC. The content of the surveys was largely based on lists of medical supplies deemed essential for reproductive health and for the care of survivors by the Reproductive Health Response in Crises Consortium. The providers in both urban and rural settings considered many of the supplies identified on the surveys necessary for the care of survivors (84%; p < 0.05) but considered few accessible (26%; p < 0.05) in their particular clinical settings. Providers also felt that the existing list of supplies was inadequate to meet the needs of survivors, and also that providers needed ongoing training to improve supply procurement and management, more knowledge of the needs of male survivors of SGBV, and more educational opportunities to improve the quality of care to survivors. Given the deficiencies expressed by providers in the surveys, this study demonstrated a critical need for a locally-adapted and focused needs assessment to improve health services to survivors.

Rape in Armed Conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Systematic Review of the Scientific Literature

“…Our systematic review yielded 2087 documents, among which only 27 were original studies either based on population surveys (20) or presenting original data based on case studies and reviews (7). Ten studies provided prevalence rates of rape victims; 18 provided specific information on the profile of the victims; 10 reported that most of the perpetrators of rape were military personnel; 14 referred to the negligence of the government in protecting victims; and 10 reported a lack of competent health care facilities.…”

“…Some recall bias may also exist when information was given by the victims themselves because of faulty memories. Furthermore, there may be certain communication difficulties between researchers and victims not only due to language problems but also due to cultural aspects: Indeed, the majority of investigators were foreigners (Europeans or Americans), making it potentially difficult for victims to Studies 3,24,and 26 Profile of the rape perpetrators Studies: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 16, and 25 Profile of the victims Studies: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, and 25 Health structures, access to health services Studies: 4, 5, 9, 12, 13, 15, 20, 21, 25, and 26 Role of States Studies: 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, and 27 Consultation of an ethics committee Yes No Studies: 1,4,6,7,8,18,20,24,and 27 Studies: 2,3,5,9,10,11,12,13,14,…”

Perceptions About Survivors of Sexual Violence in Eastern Drc: Conflicting Descriptive and Community-Prescribed Norms

“…Moreover, for the minority, who are able to overcome the above‐mentioned sociocultural barriers and access services, there is inadequate health infrastructure and personnel (Rybarczyk et al., ). The health system of the DRC, once considered one of the best in Africa, suffered near total collapse between 1995 and 2001 because of the ongoing conflict (Waldman, ).…”

“…It is estimated that 70% of the DRC population have little or no access to health care (Waldman, ). Moreover, the health system currently has no resources to provide the much‐needed psychological assistance and support to the survivors of SV (Rybarczyk et al., ).…”