Health care

Rape and other forms of violence against women usually lead to serious damages to the health of the affected women. These result in life-long health problems which can permanently restrict the lives of the women. Medical care for those who were raped is therefore the first priority in helping survivors of sexualised war-related violence.

medica mondiale offers women and girls who have experienced sexualised violence in war and conflict areas basic, comprehensive gynaecological and general health care. This is specially adapted to the needs and specific situation of women who have been traumatised by war and violence. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania and Kosova, medica mondiale has set up gynaecological treatment rooms in the counselling centres, in which psycho-social and legal support is also offered. In Afghanistan, Liberia and in the DR Congo, project staff work closely with local health centres and hospitals and refer women to these medical institutions.

Sexualised violence and its effects on health

Rape is often particularly cruel when it occurs during war. Many women suffer serious internal and external injuries - from vaginal and intestinal tears to pelvic fractures. Fistulas form on the genitals which can cause pain in the womb for years and often lead to incontinence.

Medical support in situations of war and conflict

In war and post-war areas there is almost never timely or appropriate medical support available for women who have been raped. Their injuries remain untreated and it becomes too late to give them medication for the prevention of HIV infections or pregnancy.

Since 1993 medica mondiale has provided gynaecological examinations and treatment for thousands of women e.g. in Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Afghanistan and Liberia. This led to a marked improvement in the health of many women. In Bosnia alone, the Medica Zenica centre has performed more than 98,000 gynaecological examinations since 1993.

Trauma-sensitive gynaecological treatment and health education

Medical personnel need specific knowledge and a special sensitivity if they are working with women who are victims of violence and often traumatised by their experience. For this reason, all our projects include female doctors, midwives and nurses who receive prior training in the issues of violence against women, traumatisation and psychosomatics.

Mobile gynaecological clinics

In Bosnia and Kosova, medica mondiale has both a permanent gynaecological practice and mobile clinics - these are minibuses fitted out as small gynaecological treatment rooms. The mobile clinics enable the organisation to reach women and girls in outlying and inaccessible villages and regions.

Public health systems and health care provision

In many countries the health care system doesn’t offer any appropriate medical provision for women, especially those who experienced violence. medica mondiale is therefore actively campaigning in its project countries for the improvement of public health provision. Together with its local medical teams, medica mondiale advocates the introduction of trauma-informed treatment approaches and a stronger consideration in the public health care provision of the needs of women who suffered from violence.


Kosova: Campaign against breast cancer

Since 2006, Medica Kosova has offered breast cancer tests for women in Gjakova and the surrounding areas. This closes an enormous gap in medical treatment for women in Kosova. The Kosovarian health system badly neglects breast cancer screening and there are hardly any opportunities for treatment. Medica Kosova also ran a campaign against breast cancer, making the women’s illness and the deficit of health care public. For the first time, the health authorities have agreed to work towards comprehensive medical care for women and for education campaigns in the population. Since then, more and more women have informed themselves about screening tests and have overcome their shame in talking about their illness. Breast and cervix cancer are diagnosed frequently for war traumatised women – a result of the mental and physical pressure and experienced traumata.