[Sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo: impact on public health?].
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been through two recent wars (1996-1998). In addition to a death toll estimated at over four million, more than 50000 persons were subjected to sexual violence particularly in Eastern regions. Rape was used as a weapon of war by men in uniform and fighters from countries with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Experts have estimated the prevalence of HIV/AIDS to be up to 60% among soldiers and fighters in the region. Sexual violence against women has impacted public health by spreading sexually transmissible diseases including HIV/AIDS, causing unwanted pregnancies, leading to the gynaecological complications of rape-related injuries, and inflicting psychological trauma on the victims. Officials in the DRC must set up appropriate structures to cope with the medical, psychosocial and legal effects of sexual violence.
Omba Kalonda
J C
JC
Université Libre de Bruxelles, Santé publique, Bruxelles, Belgique. jc_ombakalonda@yahoo.fr
D015023:Democratic Republic of the Congo / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D014754:Violence