Empowering from within

Founded in 2012, UPRIGHT AFRICA is on a mission to enhance the lives of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by helping to strengthen and rebuild the infrastructure in hospitals, the education system, orphanages, and agriculture.
UPRIGHT AFRICA works alongside the Congolese people on a daily basis, providing modern medical techniques, everyday supplies and, most of all, hope for a brighter tomorrow.

0UA12047-Dr.-Alain-Muka-John-Woods-Leo-Pwele-Lake-Tanganyika-Video-Res.jpg — “Many people ask,
WHY THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO?”
My response is: I didn’t choose DRC; DRC chose me. After seeing the difficulties there first hand, it was up to me to decide whether I should help or turn a blind eye. It wasn’t a hard choice.”
– John Woods, Founder

LIFE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

LESS THAN
10%
OF THE POPULATION HAS ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY

IN WATER-RICH DRC
50 MILLION
LACK CLEAN DRINKING WATER

6 OUT OF 10
DIE BEFORE THEIR FIFTH BIRTHDAY

LIFE EXPECTANCY
IS
49
YEARS

MALARIA IS THE
#1
CAUSE OF DEATH

Follow us on Social

Amid the turmoil in Eastern DRC, we find hope in young Exauce. We first met him at 4 years old when he underwent surgery, and today, at 13, he’s thriving. Despite the war unfolding in his city of Bukavu, Exauce stays focused on his studies, dra

Update from Upright Africa

With so much happening, it’s hard to know where to begin. First and foremost, all our friends and partners are safe and doing their best to stay out of harm’s way.
Upright Africa has a significant presence in t

Returning to the DRC:
As I step back into the Democratic Republic of Congo, emotions run high. After more than a decade of living and walking in another’s shoes, this place has become my second home. I’ll travel into the south of the cou

Finding Hope in the Midst of Uncertainty

As war continues and misinformation spreads, our partners, friends, patients, and communities are doing everything they can to survive. Some are staying put while others are fleeing to more stable areas

Wi

Amid the ongoing chaos, we have received word that Kadada and her host family are safe. Some shops have reopened, allowing them to get food, but movement remains extremely dangerous. For now, they will stay in Goma until safe passage is possible.
Nat

This morning, Goma has fallen under M23 control, with the military given two days to hand over all arms.

Our dear Kadada, the Ananas family, and countless friends and patients remain in Goma, now at the mercy of war.

Please take a moment to send po

Today, we did everything we could to evacuate Kadada and her host family. Ananas Kahamba and his family of six have been a beacon of hope, supporting Kadada through her health crisis.
They arrived at the airport in Goma, ready to fly to Kalemie, our

As the conflict intensifies in Goma, we’ve shifted our focus from sustainable operations to emergency evacuations and checking on the safety of our friends, colleagues, and patients in the area.

Tragically, the Governor of Goma, pictured in t

🌟 What a Year for Kadada and Shangwe! 🌟

These two incredible souls have shown remarkable strength and resilience this year. 💪

Kadada underwent surgery in Greece, while Shangwe bravely faced chemotherapy in Rwanda—making them international