In  2018 approximately 450,000 people in the Democratic  Republic of Congo were living with HIV. 

The incidence rate for HIV among women aged 15-24 is four times higher when compared to young men. Women are at significantly higher risk and more vulnerable to HIV and violence. 

The organization provides and offers sexual health screening. Supporting NGOs and health care practitioners in offering victims free medical check-ups, health promotion education, counselling and support.

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                                          SAKA International: Stopping Sexual Violence Against Women During Conflict

Sexual violence during conflict is one of the most devastating and overlooked weapons used in wars across the globe. It affects millions of women, girls, and marginalized communities, leaving deep physical, psychological, and social scars that can last for generations. At SAKAInternational, we stand with survivors and work relentlessly to end this violence, raising awareness of its far-reaching impacts — not only on the bodies and lives of those directly affected but also on entire communities and societies at large.

                                                                The Crisis of Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones

In the chaos and brutality of armed conflict, sexual violence becomes a tool of terror and control. Rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, and other forms of sexual abuse are used to humiliate, dehumanize, and punish entire communities. Women and girls are often the primary targets, though men and boys are not spared from this cruelty.
Sexual violence is not only a gross violation of human rights but a tactic that aims to destabilize entire communities. Families are torn apart, social fabric is destroyed, and whole generations are left grappling with the consequences. The trauma of sexual violence during conflict has ripple effects, leaving survivors with physical, psychological, and social burdens that can affect their future for years to come.

                                                    The Devastating Intersection of Sexual Violence, HIV/AIDS, and STIs

One of the most tragic consequences of sexual violence during conflict is the high risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. Survivors of sexual violence are at an increased risk of contracting HIV, as sexual violence often involves unprotected and violent intercourse with multiple perpetrators, sometimes in situations where survivors are left without access to healthcare.
Women and girls, especially in conflict zones, are disproportionately affected. Due to the lack of medical resources and the breakdown of health systems during conflict, many survivors of sexual violence do not have access to the critical treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) that can reduce the risk of HIV infection. This leads to long-term health issues, including chronic HIV infection, which is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing treatment and care.

STIs other than HIV, such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia, also pose significant threats to survivors' health. These infections can lead to severe complications, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even death if left untreated.

                                                     Unwanted Pregnancies: A Hidden Consequence of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence during conflict often results in unwanted pregnancies, further compounding the trauma experienced by survivors. In situations where sexual violence is used as a weapon of war, the physical and emotional toll of an unwanted pregnancy can be devastating. Women and girls, often already suffering from physical injuries, find themselves facing the complex challenges of carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term — or making the excruciating decision to terminate it, when access to safe abortion services may be unavailable or dangerous.
Unwanted pregnancies also place an additional burden on healthcare systems that are already overwhelmed by the demands of conflict. The lack of maternal health care, prenatal services, and safe delivery options increases the risk of maternal death and complications, further devastating women in conflict zones.

The psychological impact of carrying a child resulting from sexual violence is profound. Many survivors face stigma, shame, and rejection from their communities, making it even more difficult to heal from their trauma. The emotional toll can lead to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a lasting sense of hopelessness.

                                                      Psychological and Emotional Impact: Trauma that Lasts a Lifetime

The emotional and psychological consequences of sexual violence during conflict are often the most invisible and long-lasting. Survivors are not only physically scarred but also deeply traumatized by the violence they have experienced. PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are common among survivors, and the lack of access to mental health care in conflict zones often exacerbates these conditions.
The stigma that often surrounds sexual violence adds another layer of pain. Survivors may be rejected by their families or communities, left to fend for themselves in situations of extreme vulnerability. In many cases, the trauma of sexual violence becomes compounded by social exclusion, economic hardship, and the ongoing threat of violence. For many women and girls, this leads to feelings of hopelessness and despair, making recovery and reintegration into society incredibly difficult.