CARE International’s history in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
CARE began working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1979.
In the 1990s, our efforts focused on supporting Rwandan refugees forced to flee into the country. After a short gap, CARE returned in 2002 to support communities affected by DRC’s own, long-standing and devastating conflict.
In 2018, tackling the Ebola outbreak became a key priority. We supported health centers and communities with water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as community awareness and prevention efforts.
Today, CARE continues to support communities affected by conflict, displacement, and poverty across the DRC.
CARE and partners’ work in the DRC today
CARE works with communities and local partners to respond to urgent needs and support longer-term recovery.
We focus on:
Crisis response
CARE provides humanitarian aid to communities affected by conflict and displacement, including food, cash support, and essential services.
Food and water
We support families to improve food production and nutrition, while also improving access to safe water and sanitation services.
Health
CARE works with communities to improve access to health services, including reproductive health, and has supported responses to health crises such as Ebola.
Making the economy work for women
We support women and communities to strengthen livelihoods through savings groups and small business activities. This work helps families increase income and financial stability.
Gender equality
CARE works to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls and supports women’s leadership and participation in their communities.
Climate
We support communities to better adapt to climate change impacts. We do this by supporting activities that strengthen resilience and protect livelihoods.
CARE works with local organizations, community groups, and authorities to ensure programs fit communities’ specific needs.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the center of CARE’s work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
CARE works with women and teenage girls, particularly those affected by conflict and displacement, to improve access to services and opportunities.
CARE and our partners support women and girls to:
- Strengthen livelihoods through savings groups and economic activities
- Access reproductive health services and information
- Reduce risks of violence and access support services
- Participate in community life and decision-making
By supporting women and girls, CARE helps strengthen families and communities across the DRC.
For recent updates on CARE DRC’s work, see here.
