As part of its ongoing development work within the Redemptorist Conference of Africa and Madagascar (COREAM) for 2025–2028, the Redemptorist Solidarity Office (RSO) is actively supporting life-saving initiatives that place the poorest and most abandoned at the heart of the Redemptorist mission. Guided by the charism of solidarity, justice, and compassion, RSO accompanies local Redemptorist units in responding to urgent human suffering through sustainable and community-centred solutions.
One such initiative is the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Health Development Programme in the Mbanza-Ngungu Health Zone, implemented by the Redemptorist Vice Province of Matadi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. SCD remains one of the country’s most neglected childhood illnesses, leading to high under-five mortality due to late diagnosis, stigma, weak health systems, and unaffordable care.
The purpose of the project is to reduce preventable child deaths and improve the quality of life of children living with SCD through early diagnosis, continuous care, and strengthened health services. The programme combines community awareness and destigmatization campaigns, mobile screening in rural and semi-urban communities, and targeted training for community health workers and nurses. It supports the development of a dedicated SCD clinic at the Redemptorist CPFBK Health Centre, improves access to essential medicines and crisis-prevention kits, and lowers financial barriers for vulnerable families.
Expected results include increased early detection of SCD, improved survival and disease management for affected children, stronger local health system capacity, and empowered communities that better understand and support children living with SCD. Through this work, RSO gives concrete expression to the Redemptorist mission by restoring dignity, confronting exclusion, and offering hope and healing where they are most needed.
