The Ida Lee Project

The Ida Lee Project (ILP) provides free medical screenings, treatment, and health education for women across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where access to healthcare is among the most limited in the world. Founded in Kisangani in 2017, ILP was created in response to a local epidemic of women's reproductive cancers-driven by a lack of infrastructure, preventive care, and affordable treatment. Today, despite regional conflict and the collapse of much of the national healthcare system, ILP continues to deliver lifesaving services. We offer free cervical and breast cancer screenings, maternal and reproductive health care, and urgent treatment for women and children, both in Ki... read more The Ida Lee Project (ILP) provides free medical screenings, treatment, and health education for women across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where access to healthcare is among the most limited in the world. Founded in Kisangani in 2017, ILP was created in response to a local epidemic of women's reproductive cancers-driven by a lack of infrastructure, preventive care, and affordable treatment. Today, despite regional conflict and the collapse of much of the national healthcare system, ILP continues to deliver lifesaving services. We offer free cervical and breast cancer screenings, maternal and reproductive health care, and urgent treatment for women and children, both in Kisangani and through our network of partners across the DRC and Uganda. The DRC, once a Belgian colony, remains trapped in cycles of political corruption, exploitation of natural resources, and violence that have left its infrastructure shattered. Hospitals are scarce, under-equipped, or prohibitively expensive. Women, in particular, face staggering rates of preventable disease, maternal mortality, and gender-based violence. Reproductive cancers, period poverty, and the absence of routine care take countless lives unnecessarily. At ILP, we believe women deserve dignity, health, and the chance to shape their own futures. Our mission is threefold: 1. Relieve suffering by delivering essential medical care to women and children across the DRC. 2. Empower women through education, prevention, and access to reproductive health resources. 3. Build sustainability by training and supporting Congolese doctors and practitioners to lead the future of healthcare in their own country. Our Work Medical Screenings & Treatment: Free cervical and breast cancer screenings, hysterectomies, mastectomies, chemotherapy, fistula repair, and palliative care. Empowering Women & Girls: Health education campaigns on HPV vaccination, menstrual health, and annual preventative screenings-helping women and girls reclaim dignity and make informed choices about their health. Local Doctors & Practitioners: Training, hiring, and supporting Congolese healthcare providers who understand their communities and ensure long-term, culturally grounded care. The need is urgent. The DRC struggles to meet its people's most basic needs, but the hope of its women is unwavering: they want peace, justice, and a chance to thrive. ILP exists to ensure their voices are heard and their health is no longer neglected. Together, we can break cycles of preventable suffering and build a healthier, more just future for women in the DRC.