The ABIA Health Zone: with the right support, rebuilding after crisis is possible

According to the humanitarian report published by OCHA on December 31, 2025, the province of Ituri, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, is home to approximately 2 million people in need, including more than 1 million displaced or returnee persons. Amid this crisis, many of these individuals live with a disability that greatly increases their vulnerability. Two of these courageous women, Rosine Adokorac Uyergiu and Binega Negowon Gethufine, had long been marginalized within their community. With limited employment opportunities due to their specific conditions, they struggled to adequately meet the survival needs of their families. With the support of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), they were able to regain dignity, autonomy, and hope for the future. 

Rosine Adokorac Uyergiu: from marginalization to independence 

Rosine, 47, a resident of Azinavu/ABIA, was once disregarded in her community, particularly because of her disability, which prevented her from meeting her family’s needs. The DRC team, working as part of the EAST (Enabling Affected Communities to Survive and Thrive) consortium, was able to identify and select her to receive support in setting up an income-generating activity (IGA). “One day, I was at home,  and I saw a group passing by with a megaphone, raising awareness about DRC’s activities in the area. DRC held a community meeting, during which their team explained why they were there and what kind of assistance they could provide to those in need. A few days later, they came to my house and registered me for assistance.” 

After being selected, Rosine was equipped to start her IGA: she received specific training, as well as cash and material support to help her launch her activity. She launched a broom-selling business, which now allows her to support her family. Her children, once out of school and sometimes deprived of meals, now eat two to three times a day and are able to continue their studies. 

“I am now independent and can provide for my family’s needs. DRC gave me a chance to rebuild.” 

In her free time, Rosine enjoys playing with her children at home, visiting family members or friends, and, when possible, relaxing by watching films on her husband’s phone. 

Binega, 53, is a widow and mother of seven children. After the death of her husband in 2017, she fell into extreme poverty. Living with a disability, she struggled to care for her family. 

As Rosine, Binega was identified by DRC to receive IGA support. After receiving training and support, she chose to launch a family IGA:  her eldest daughter sells rice at the market, while she herself sells beans from home. 

The EAST consortium is aiming at providing comprehensive assistance: thanks to DRC’s and Congo Handicap (another NGO member of the consortium) collaboration, she was provided a rolling chair. She can now move around more easily, especially to go to church or the market.  

As Rosine, Binega was given the opportunity to develop her independence and support herself in the long term. She took it, and is now maximising every opportunity to support her family. In addition to selling beans, Binega has also started to make brooms, which she sells as well. Thanks to her efforts, her children have returned to school. 

Providing economic and social support means building hope in a context of insecurity.

Rosine and Binega’s stories reflect that of many others, often unheard. It highlights the profound impact that economic and social support can have. Giving women the means to provide for themselves and their families is a way of protecting them, preserving their dignity, and strengthening their place within the community. They embody the resilience of vulnerable women who, thanks to tailored assistance, manage to reinvent their daily lives and offer a better future to their children. 

For several years, the security and humanitarian situation in Ituri has remained critical. Armed incursions and ongoing clashes continue to increase the needs of the population, in an environment where intervention capacities are limited. Tailored responses are essential to ease their situation. 

The EAST consortium, implemented by five NGOs thanks to the financial support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), shows that targeted support goes beyond material aid: it restores to the most vulnerable a voice, recognition, and the possibility of building a dignified future within their community. The inclusion of people with specific needs is an expression of equity and an essential part of humanitarian aid, allowing everyone, despite physical or psychological conditions, to have the chance to rebuild their lives.