Nengo Project: news and innovations

25/06/2024

For the past 4 years, the NENGO project has provided holistic care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Previously based in Bangui and accessible via two national partners, the Hôpital de l’Amitié and the Central African Association of Women Lawyers (AFJC), the NENGO project has so far provided socio-economic, legal, psychological and/or medical support to over 8,700 beneficiaries. The ambition today is to move into surrounding areas to offer mobile clinics for the treatment of serious gynecological pathologies to patients who are unable to travel to the capital, which is sometimes a long way from their homes.

The mobile clinic held from April 15 to 26 was the second of its kind. It was a campaign to repair obstetric fistulas and genital prolapses in the Boda health district, several hours’ drive west of the capital Bangui. After an exploratory phase to identify women with serious gynecological pathologies, 74 women underwent reconstructive surgery (fistula or prolapse). The success rate for all operations was 91.06% for fistulas and 100% for repaired cases of prolapse. Psychological support sessions were also organized and dignity kits distributed.

“I’m so relieved that I’ve gotten rid of this disease that has lasted too long. I’d like to have some financial means to start a small income-generating activity to support myself and my grandsons.  May God bless all the activities and members of the NENGO project’s mobile team,” says a direct beneficiary of the mobile unit.

Another highlight: The Pierre Fabre Foundation took part in the inauguration of the new head office of one of our partners: the Central African Association of Women Lawyers (AFJC). This will provide a permanent base for this organization, which is involved in providing support and legal follow-up for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, in particular within the NENGO project. The inauguration took place on the occasion of the NENGO project’s 7th Strategic Orientation Committee meeting, in the presence of the Central African Republic’s Minister of Health and Population. As this major project is entering its final phase, it is essential to ensure that the progress made since 2020 is sustained in the long term.