Sophie’s hugs for pioneering surgeon who treats Congolese rape survivors
The countess is on an official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo – the first by a member of the British royal family.
The Countess of Wessex has warmly embraced world-renowned surgeon and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Denis Mukwege during her visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
A smiling Sophie put her arms out and hugged Dr Mukwege, who greeted her at Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, South Kivu Province.
He has treated thousands who have been raped amid fighting between armed groups seeking to control some of the central African nation’s vast mineral wealth.
She toured the hospital, including its newly opened operating room, spent time with some of the survivors being cared for at the Panzi, and spoke to its team of experts.
At one point, Sophie looked moved as she held both her hands crossed to her chest as she sat and spoke to one woman who was lying on a hospital bed.
She was also pictured wearing disposable blue medical scrubs as she listened intently while being shown around.
The Panzi Foundation has supported more than 70,000 survivors of conflict-related sexual violence since 1999.
She is being accompanied by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Prime Minister’s special representative on preventing sexual violence in conflict.
