23 June 2022
On 21 June 2022, the foundation stone for a major project was laid at the Panzi General Referral Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just a stone’s throw from the new surgical unit, of which construction is currently being completed, renovation works for the “Accident and Emergency” building, as well as the delivery and neonatal unit are set to take just under a year.
The “Support to the hospital and the Panzi Foundation” (Appui à l’hôpital et la Fondation Panzi) project in partnership with Lux-Development and financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was designed to support the holistic model of support to survivors of sexual violence developed by Dr. Mukwege.
Indeed, the context of successive wars and persistent instability in the east of the country is marked by extreme violence including widespread rape with women and children often the primary victims. The Panzi hospital offers women with complex urogenital diseases, as well as mothers who come with their children, quality patient-centred services.
The joint launch of these two large-scale projects is the result of several months of work between the hospital’s teams and those of the Luxembourg Red Cross’ Humanitarian Aid. This partnership has already proved its worth as the two organisations have already built a sterilisation room. The Luxembourg Red Cross’ Humanitarian team has also provided the hospital staff with state-of-the-art equipment and trained them in its use.
The continuity of services and patient care will be ensured by the hospital through temporary restructuring. In addition to the increased capacity, the quality of patient care and the working conditions of the nursing staff will be significantly improved.