On September 19, 2024, a delegation from Ukraine visited Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, seeking assistance in combating sexual violence amid the ongoing war with Russia. Led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, the hospital is renowned for its holistic approach to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
The Ukrainian officials included representatives from the Prime Minister's office, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Public Health. They aimed to learn from Dr. Mukwege’s extensive experience in providing care for survivors. Vasyl Lutsyk, Head of Ukraine's National Social Services, highlighted the parallels between the challenges faced by Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Congo, stating, "The decades-long conflict here and the war in Ukraine reflect similar issues. By exchanging experiences and adopting holistic methods, we can create a robust support system for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence."
During a press conference, Dr. Mukwege and the delegation discussed potential collaborations between Ukraine and the Panzi Foundation. Katrien Coppens, Executive Director of the Mukwege Foundation, emphasized the importance of shared learning to ensure quality care.
Dr. Mukwege described the Ukrainian visit as a powerful gesture of international solidarity, stating, "This visit shows that suffering knows no borders.