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Les violences sexuelles en République Démocratique du Congo: Quelles conséquences sur le plan de la santé publique?

par Omba Kalonda, Jean-Claude
Référence Médecine tropicale, 68, 6, page (576-578)
Publication Publié, 2008-12

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been through two recent wars (1996-1998). In addition to a death toll estimated at over four million, more than 50000 persons were subjected to sexual violence particularly in Eastern regions. Rape was used as a weapon of war by men in uniform and fighters from countries with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Experts have estimated the prevalence of HIV/AIDS to be up to 60% among soldiers and fighters in the region. Sexual violence against women has impacted public health by spreading sexually transmissible diseases including HIV/AIDS, causing unwanted pregnancies, leading to the gynaecological complications of rape-related injuries, and inflicting psychological trauma on the victims. Officials in the DRC must set up appropriate structures to cope with the medical, psychosocial and legal effects of sexual violence.