OCHA’s Pooled Funds Stories - Central African Republic: Mental and physical health care for survivors of violence (December 2024)

Central African Republic | 2024 | Country Based Pooled Funds (CBPF)

Central African Republic. Last year, Elizabeth*, 17, lost both her parents when armed groups came to her hometown. They took her and held her prisoner for months.

Elizabeth escaped and sought shelter at an internally displaced persons’ site.

A Central African women’s organization, AFPE, helped connect Elizabeth to medical care and psychological assistance.

It was then that she found out she was pregnant.

“I felt like my life was ruined before even beginning,” she recalled.

Here, talking to the mental health professional was really important.

“If I did not have the possibility to talk with someone that helps people with their problems, I don’t how I would have found the strength to live,” she explained.

As Elizabeth ’s health stabilized, AFPE helped her reunite with her aunt in her hometown.

AFPE continues to support Elizabeth with assistance through her pregnancy, as well as vocational training to help her establish skills to make an income.

In a humanitarian emergency, gender-based violence becomes an even greater risk. With CAR HF support, AFPE are providing critical services to women and girls, to help them rebuild their lives after dark days.

*Not her real name

Published December 2024

More information on the CAR Humanitarian Fund.