At 99, Léo, displaced by war in DRC, is walking again

Fleeing the war and surviving 

Léo Kuvirhe, age 99, is originally from Tchahemba in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Like many people living in North Kivu, he was forced to flee his village due to clashes between armed groups. He sought refuge in Kitshanga, leaving behind a life he had built up over the years. 

Upon his arrival, his situation was particularly difficult. His advanced age, combined with the violence he had endured and the displacement, had severely affected his mobility. He had great difficulty moving around and could no longer stand up. 

“I used to walk by leaning on my bottom,” he says. 

This loss of mobility makes him entirely dependent on others and prevents him from taking part in essential daily activities, such as going to the fields. 

Today, he has only one son left, who lacks the means to help him. The others were all killed during the war. He lives with his wife, who provides for the family by growing vegetables. 

Gradual support to get back on his feet 

As part of a project implemented by HI in North Kivu, teams work directly with  people in need. Identified by community liaisons—residents trained by HI—Léo received a home visit from HI physical therapists who assessed his needs. 

He then began attending rehabilitation care sessions, accompanied by regular monitoring tailored to his needs. 

Over time, thanks to these regular exercises, his health has improved significantly. He was subsequently provided with crutches and support to learn how to use them correctly to improve his mobility. Thanks to this support, he was able to stand up again and regain some independence in getting around. He can now make his own way, on a regular basis, to the HI health center to continue his rehabilitation sessions. 

“Today, I can get about. I can go wherever I want,” he says. 

From patient to community liaison 

Now, Léo plays an active role in his community. He refers other people to HI’s services. When he meets someone in difficulty, who struggles to get around or is unaware that they can receive help, he encourages them to seek support. 

“I am very grateful to HI for helping me. Now, I refer others who are in need, just as I once was, so that they can come and benefit from the care that HI provides.” 

In the Birambizo health zone, Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, HI is implementing a project aimed at improving access to healthcare and living conditions for populations affected by the crisis. From March to December 2025, followed by an extension phase in January and February 2026: 

• 978 people received physical and functional rehabilitation care 
• 399 people received technical aids (canes, crutches, tricycles, etc.) 
• 1,240 people took part in group psychosocial support sessions 
• 359 people received individual psychosocial support 
• 445 people were referred to specialist services 
• 874 awareness-raising sessions were organized.