HI has been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1994. In Kinshasa, the capital, HI is highly active in the field of disability prevention, and mother and child health represents a particularly serious challenge. The organisation also campaigns to promote improved road safety, as road accidents are another major cause of disability in the country. In Kinshasa and Kananga, HI is also working to improve rehabilitation services, notably by training orthoprosthesists and producing mobility aids (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.).
HI promotes the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society, and is campaigning for children with disabilities to have access to education - especially girls. The organisation also supports Congolese organisations that advance the rights of people with disabilities.
In North Kivu, HI provides support for the most vulnerable in the zones affected by the chronic humanitarian crisis in the region. In North Kivu and Kasai, HI is also improving the case-management of disabilities and the post-operative follow-up of victims of armed conflict in health care facilities and rehabilitation centres. The organisation also coordinates a logistics platform designed to help humanitarian aid to reach the remotest areas, in collaboration with other national and international organisations, and the United Nations. In particular, it provides these actors with a fleet of trucks and an equipment storage facility. In Kasai, HI is improving the food safety of affected populations (food distributions). The organisation also enables victims to benefit from rehabilitation care and psychological support.
Lastly, the organisation raises the awareness of humanitarian organisations to take into account the needs of the most vulnerable people, in order to ensure they are included in the services these organisations provide.
