A cholera outbreak that began in December 2025 in the Manika Health Zone of Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo, has prompted a coordinated response from health authorities, community health workers, and humanitarian partners. With support from World Vision, essential medical supplies, water treatment materials, and sanitation equipment were provided to strengthen prevention, treatment, and community awareness efforts. Community health workers have played a central role in educating families about hygiene practices, water chlorination, and early referral of suspected cases. Through these combined efforts, thousands of residents in high-risk neighbourhoods have received clean water and cholera prevention messages. While the response is helping reduce transmission risks, health authorities warn that continued vigilance and community mobilisation remain essential due to ongoing population movement and the risk of the outbreak spreading to neighbouring areas.

This interview with Dr. Liliane Shacko, Acting Chief Medical Officer of the Manika Health Zone in Kolwezi, discusses the cholera outbreak that began in December 2025 and the response efforts underway to contain it. She explains how the outbreak started in the Mutoshi Health Area, outlines the current situation with more than 200 cases recorded, and highlights the measures taken by health authorities and partners, including the establishment of treatment centres, water chlorination points and community awareness campaigns. Dr. Shacko also addresses ongoing challenges such as high population mobility and the continued arrival of cases from neighbouring health zones. She emphasizes the critical role of partners like World Vision in supporting prevention and community engagement, while urging residents to follow hygiene measures and seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear.

This article highlights how 622 women in North Kivu, DRC, received kits containing yards of cloth, tools, and essential items to rebuild their livelihoods and support their families. Through this initiative, women gain the means to start income-generating activities, empowering them economically while improving the well-being and stability of their children. The piece emphasises resilience, hope, and the transformative impact of targeted support for displaced and vulnerable communities.

Dolly Mudongo, a mother of seven from Khoma village, transformed her life through participation in a Saving and Internal Lending Community (SILC) supported by the GAINS Tuya Kumpala project. Previously struggling with unstable income and limited resources, she gained access to savings and small loans that allowed her to grow her soap-making business. Within months, her earnings increased, enabling her to meet her family’s basic needs and improve their food security. Today, Dolly enjoys greater financial stability and looks to the future with confidence, illustrating the impact of community-based savings groups in empowering vulnerable households.

In Kaungula, a group of farmers transformed their livelihoods through a Farmer Field School supported by the GAINS Tuya Kumpala program. Moving away from traditional, low-yield practices like bush burning, they adopted improved techniques, better seeds, and sustainable methods. Their first harvest—over 400 kg from a small plot—symbolized not just increased productivity but renewed confidence and collective success. The initiative is helping farmers boost food security, improve nutrition, and build more resilient, self-sustaining communities.

This article tells the inspiring story of Jacqui Tshela, a young farmer in rural DR Congo who transformed her livelihood through improved agricultural practices learned in a Farmer Field School. After years of low yields and discouragement, she adopted new techniques and significantly increased her cassava production on a much smaller plot. Her success highlights how training, quality seeds, and community support can boost food security, restore hope, and empower vulnerable households.

Monash University and World Vision study reveals how natural farming drives financial independence and climate resilience for women and their communities in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Artwork by Harold Segura as part of the 2026 Give Your Loaves & Your Fish Campaign, part of teh Prayer & Action Against Hunger Coalition.

In FY26 Q1, World Vision in the Democratic Republic of the Congo transitioned from costly VSAT internet services to Starlink to improve connectivity across its field operations. The move is expected to save more annually, allowing resources to be redirected to programmes that support vulnerable children and communities. Beyond cost savings, the new system provides faster, more reliable internet in remote areas, enabling better data collection, quicker reporting, stronger collaboration, and more efficient programme delivery.

In DRC, World Vision is helping transform traditional gender roles through its Men Care approach, supported by Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH). The programme trains community facilitators who lead discussions with fathers on positive parenting, shared household responsibilities, girls’ education, and non-violent family relationships. In its first phase, 660 men from Nyangezi and Nyantende participated. The initiative is already producing visible changes in families, with many men becoming more involved in domestic tasks, communication, and childcare. By encouraging fathers to play a more active and supportive role at home, World Vision aims to strengthen families, reduce domestic tensions, and create safer, more nurturing environments for children.