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.

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 than $340,000 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.

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.

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.

In Malambwe, Haut-Katanga Province, the reconstruction of Muyala Primary School by World Vision DRC has provided more than 700 children with a safe and inclusive learning environment. With new classrooms, improved sanitation facilities and access to clean water through six boreholes, the initiative marks a significant step towards better health, child protection and sustainable community development.

This article highlights an initiative by World Vision DRC to empower 25 young mothers in Bukanga Lonzo, Kwango Province, through vocational training and the provision of sewing machines. After two months of dressmaking training delivered by a local youth association, the beneficiaries received complete sewing kits to help them immediately launch income-generating activities. The piece underscores how this support goes beyond material assistance, representing hope, restored dignity, and a pathway to financial independence. Drawing on testimonies from local authorities, trainers, and beneficiaries, the article illustrates the initiative's broader impact on livelihoods, self-employment, and community development, positioning it as a concrete step towards sustainable economic empowerment for vulnerable young women.