The Ida Lee House: Women's Health in the DRC

As we step into this new year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the impact your support has made possible—especially in 2025, a truly transformational year for the Ida Lee Project.

The biggest milestone? The opening of our brand new medical center, the Ida Lee House in Kisangani, DRC.

Since opening its doors, access to care has expanded dramatically—and the numbers tell a powerful story.

Patient Care Impact (Estimated)

Between August and December 2025, our medical team saw an estimated:

• 636 patients in just 5 months
  
  
• August: 32
• September: 34
• October: 173
• November: 180
• December: 217

(These figures are estimates and may be slightly higher, as data from three days is missing.)

Growth Over Time

To put this progress into perspective:

• 2024 (without Goma): 162 patients total
• 2022: ~180 patients total
• 2025 (Aug–Dec alone): 636 patients
  
  

In just five months of operating from the Ida Lee House, we reached nearly four times the total number of patients served in all of 2024.

What This Means

These numbers represent more than statistics—they reflect:

• Increased access to essential medical care
• Trust from the community
• A growing, reliable healthcare presence where it’s needed most

About the Ida Lee House Medical Compound

The Ida Lee House is more than a health clinic—it is a dedicated medical compound designed to support consistent, long-term healthcare access for women’s reproductive health and cancer care. The space includes:

• Consultation and examination rooms
• A basic pharmacy and medication storage
• Space for visiting medical professionals and volunteers
• Areas for patient intake, waiting, and health education
• Surgical suite and patient recovery room

Transitioning from temporary or mobile services to a permanent facility has allowed us to increase capacity, improve patient follow-up, strengthen data collection, and establish a dependable healthcare presence for the community.

Looking Ahead to 2026

In 2026, we are excited to expand women-centered preventative health and education initiatives  alongside clinical care. Planned efforts include:

• Menstrual health education and access, including a reusable pad project made possible by our brand-new sewing machine
• Preventative cancer care education, with a focus on breast and cervical cancer awareness
• Women’s circles that create safe, supportive spaces to share knowledge, ask questions, and discuss health openly
• Community outreach to encourage and spread the word about preventable cancer screenings, helping women understand when and how to seek care

These programs aim to reduce stigma, increase early detection, and empower women with the information and tools they need to care for themselves and one another.

With Gratitude

The rapid growth in patient numbers during the final months of 2025 reflects both urgent need and deepening trust. As we move into 2026, we remain committed to expanding access, strengthening prevention, and building a future where women’s health is prioritized and protected across the DRC.

Thank you for believing in this work and for making it possible. Your support continues to transform access to healthcare—one woman at a time.