Abstract
This study examines the underlying barriers that prevent communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from accessing essential healthcare services. Widespread state violence across the African continent, and particularly in the DRC, has worsened systemic challenges within healthcare infrastructure. Among other things, state violence includes: torture, excessive force, and bombing. Through a review of current literature and conflict-related health data, findings indicate that in war-torn regions, access to basic care is severely limited due to a combination of factors including lack of resources, ongoing violence, the destruction of health infrastructure, and a shortage of trained medical personnel. This research highlights the urgent need for coordinated policy interventions and humanitarian support to restore and strengthen healthcare access in conflict-affected regions. In collaboration with WEMA, a non-governmental organization (NGO), policy and support have been identified to prioritize care for not just the vulnerable populations, but for all. The organization was named WEMA because it means “goodness" in Swahili. This project established the creation of a website for WEMA and a policy brief. The purpose of the website is to create a platform for WEMA to receive donations and spread awareness of their cause, which is providing support to children that have cancer. In addition, the policy brief is a resource for policy makers and stakeholders to get a profound understanding of the healthcare challenges in the DRC.