In search of better living conditions, some Congolese cross the border to Angola to look for work. Unfortunately, their dreams for a better life are often shattered as they get arrested, sent to jail, and expelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Doctors of the World has decided to intervene in the Luambo area (DRC), bordering Angola. During the first quarter of 2012, 9145 expelled Congolese were sent to this area, among which one in five women (395) was victim of sexual abuse. These victims did not have access to neither necessary medical nor necessary psychological help, as Dr Kayembe Ntumba testifies: "A ten year old boy had complications in the aftermath of a rape. A 14 year old girl developed a psychosis after having been raped. These cases have never been handled due to lack of means." Given the influx of victims, the health centres were not able to provide essential care. A team from Doctors of the World has therefore been sent with medical equipment and drugs to provide essential treatment and assistance, and is working in partnership with Congolese health staff. This free medical and psychological program which also strengthens preventive activities is financed by a common humanitarian fund managed by the United Nations, with the support of UNICEF and UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund). Doctors of the World estimates that within 9 months, more than 16 000 expelled people will benefit from this aid. The program will also reach the host population, bringing the total of beneficiaries to 40,000 people.