Transforming Mental Health Care for Survivors in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Bridging the Gap with Innovative Training, Technology, and Telemedicine

How You Can Help Now

For nearly 30 years, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been ravaged by conflict, with armed militias fighting over mineral wealth and millions of Congolese—especially women and children—suffering the consequences, including widespread sexual violence. This year, the violence has escalated dramatically. The heavily armed M23 militia, backed by Rwanda, has seized control of the region’s two largest cities and surrounding areas, cutting off our healthcare partners from the country’s banking system and government services. With no funding for staff salaries or essential medical supplies, clinics have been left vulnerable—some even attacked or vandalized.

While we remain committed to coordinating and advancing mental health training and services, the urgent humanitarian crisis has forced us to pivot. Right now, we are working to secure life-saving psychiatric medications for facilities that have been cut off from critical resources.

Make a Direct Impact

Donate today to help us provide essential medical supplies and sustain the healthcare workers who continue to serve their communities despite unimaginable challenges. Every contribution brings hope and healing to those in need.

Addressing a Mental Health Crisis in Conflict Zones

  • Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a major public health and human rights issue in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

  • High prevalence of depression (40%+), PTSD (50%+), and suicide attempts (16%) among survivors.

  • A severe shortage of mental health professionals—only one public health psychiatrist for over 6 million people in South Kivu.

  • Our initiative leverages Project ECHO, solidarity workshops, and telemedicine to build sustainable mental health care solutions.

Innovative Mental Health Solutions

A holistic approach to mental health care through three core pillars:

    • Interactive case-based learning

    • Focus on screening and managing mental health conditions

    • Expanding workforce capacity in low-resource settings

    • Empowering survivors of SGBV through structured mental health support

    • Training community health workers and leaders

    • Measuring impact through research and implementation science

    • Open-source EHR integrated with WhatsApp for patient access

    • Telepsychiatry platform connecting patients to specialists

    • Real-world evaluation of feasibility and impact

Our Impact So Far

Real-World Results in South Kivu

  • 16+ Project ECHO training sessions conducted in English and French

  • 14 active participants improving their skills in mental health care

  • 400+ patients engaged in mental health studies

  • Strong partnerships with local and global organizations, including OpenEMR, Vivo International, and Fondation Remi Levina (FORAL)

DRC Team

Wendy Bernstein, MD, CM

Senior Community Psychiatrist

Marx Itabelo Lwabanya, MD, EMHL, AFHE, MISH

Lead Physician

Achille Bapolisi, MD, PhD

Lead Psychiatrist, DRC

Tyler Evans, MD, MS, MPH, AAHIVS, DTM&H, FIDSA

Medical Director