WHO condemns allegations of s*xual abuse by aid workers in DR Congo

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has condemned allegations that its aid workers s*xually abused women while tackling an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

WHO’s regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, described the allegations as “heartbreaking” stating that she will ensure a “timely, fair and transparent investigation” and that those found to have been involved will face serious consequences.

Dr Moeti said on Wednesday that she would ensure mechanisms of reporting such acts are corrected.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Oct, Nov to be ‘tougher’ with more deaths –WHO

Reports say a year-long investigation by two agencies revealed that aid workers who identified themselves as WHO staff sexually abused women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Further reports revealed that the allegations cover the period between 2018 and March this year the New Humanitarian and the Thomson Reuters Foundation spoke to 50 local women who were allegedly plied with drinks, “ambushed” in hospitals, forced to have sex, and two became pregnant.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now