Health, care & future for women of the DRC.

The Ida Lee Project (ILP) provides quality reproductive health screenings, treatment and education for women without access in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

About the ILP

Founded in 2017 in Kisangani, the Ida Lee Project (ILP) began as a response to the local epidemic of women’s reproductive cancers — propelled by the lack of preventative care, regional medical infrastructure, and medical services.

Today, despite ongoing regional conflicts, the ILP continues to offer health screenings, treatment and education—including free-of-charge cervical and breast cancer care — for all women in need.

As of August 2025, we’ve reached a new milestone. ILP programs are now based out of the brand-new Ida Lee House, our comprehensive women’s health and medical center in Kisangani, offering urgent medical services, educational opportunities, and an enduring sanctuary for women.

Our mission is threefold:

  1. Provide women of the DRC with necessary medical care to alleviate suffering.

  2. Empower women with educational tools and resources for their health and well-being.

  3. Advance contemporary and dignified medical care led by Congolese practitioners.

Join Us

Medical Screenings & Treatment

The ILP facilitates free-of-charge cervical and breast cancer screenings, mastectomies, hysterectomies, chemotherapy, fistula repair, palliative care, and beyond.

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Empowering Women & Girls

The ILP runs community health and education programs including campaigns dedicated to HPV vaccination, menstrual health, pad distribution, and preventative cancer screenings.

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Uplifting Local Doctors & Practicioners

The ILP is dedicated to supporting local healthcare workers from the DRC through staffing, training, and regional professional development opportunities.

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Learn more about Kisangani, the DRC, where we work, and why.

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Join our health campaigns!

Lifesaving Cancer Screenings for Congolese Women
The Ida Lee House: Women's Health in the DRC

“Eastern DRC is one of the most dangerous places in the world for women and children.”

— Sidibe Kadidia, CARE International DRC Country Director

  • Women's Health in the DRC

    Women’s health data in the DRC is limited and fragmented, but available evidence reveals severe health disparities including:

  • Cervical Cancer

    Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the DRC. Limited access to screening and treatment services, as well as a lack of awareness about the importance of cervical cancer prevention, contribute to high mortality rates.

  • Maternal Health

    Maternal mortality remains high in the DRC, with estimates indicating a maternal mortality ratio of 693 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2017. Factors contributing to maternal mortality include limited access to skilled birth attendants, inadequate healthcare facilities, and delays in seeking care.

  • Reproductive Health

    Reproductive health challenges persist, including high fertility rates, limited access to contraception and family planning services, and a high prevalence of teenage pregnancies. Access to maternal and reproductive healthcare services, including antenatal care and postpartum care, remains inadequate in many regions.

  • Infectious Diseases

    Women in the DRC are disproportionately affected by infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Limited access to healthcare services, as well as social and economic factors, contribute to the burden of these diseases among women.

  • Gender-Based Violence

    Gender-based violence, including sexual violence and domestic abuse, is widespread in the DRC and has significant health consequences for women. Survivors often face barriers to accessing healthcare services and support.

“We thank Ida Lee for the care you give to us. I received care and now I am doing well. Our wish is to see you return because many women are suffering and lack the means to seek treatment.”

— Judith, ILP patient & resident of Kanyaruchinya

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