The partnership project between the non-profit company AVK Sozialprojekte and Kikwit General Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo aims to put in place better options for diagnosing and treating HIV in the Congolese hospital.
Problem: In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, people living with HIV have limited access to diagnosis and treatment, resulting in a high mortality rate. The lack of both treatment and educational activities also facilitates the further spread of the disease. Pregnant women and people living in rural areas have some of the highest rates of HIV infection.
Main activities: The German and Congolese partners will undertake reciprocal visits to share medical expertise and experience. Doctors, nurses and laboratory staff of Kikwit General Hospital are to be trained in the modern diagnosis and treatment of HIV both in Kikwit and at the Auguste-Viktoria-Hospital in Germany.
Short-term results: German colleagues will gain new insights in the field of tropical medicine. At the partner hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, modern procedures are to be used to diagnose and treat HIV.
Long-term results: The improved medical care will increase the chances of survival of people living with HIV in Kikwit region.