AMI in Démocratic Republic of Congo

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AMI in Démocratic Republic of Congo

GIF Democratic Republic of Congo – South-Kivu

Context

Despite the peace agreement signed in 2003, insecurity remains widespread in South Kivu as the national army still has no control over foreign armed groups [Interhamwe, Rasta, FDLR] and Maï Maï rebels. The years of war in South Kivu [five wars since 1993] completely destroyed the health system: disengagement of authorities, under-equipment, advanced degradation, frequent medicine and product shortages, flight of qualified staff, diminished training infrastructures for health care staff, etc. In 2005, 30% of the population still had no access to health care and this number may further increase due to the return of many people being repatriated from Tanzania. Aide Médicale Internationale helps local structures trying to start rebuilding the health system in South Kivu. Its projects target the most vulnerable people, with 76% of consultations concerning at women and children. The democratic process launched in late 2005 [constitutional referendum] should facilitate NGOs’ activities.

Improving health care access for populations of four health areas

Working in six health zones in the south of the South Kivu province, AMI is recognized by the provincial health inspection as the referent for primary health care. AMI’s programs bring an answer to a medical emergency situation for people living in zones newly accessible, such as Lulengue and Fizi, whereas in stable zones, like Uvira, Nundu and Lemera, AMI ensures the quality and accessibility of health care. AMI’s activities consist of supportive actions [rehabilitation, supply of medicines and material, training] for 58 health centers, 5 cholera treatment centers, 5 blood transfusion posts, 37 structures treating victims of sexual violence, as well as the pediatrics and maternity services of the Uvira hospital. AMI also helped to set up 58 health committees in order to promote community self-reliance and development.

Results

Preventive and curative activities:

Retrospective nutritional and mortality survey. Health care offer survey. 487,521 health care interventions including:

  • 59,465 prenatal consultations
  • 65,703 consultations of children under five years old
  • 14,506 deliveries: 11 308 deliveries in a health center and 3,198 in secondary structures [hospitals and reference health center]
  • 464 women and children under five years old treated in therapeutic nutrition centers
  • 2,031 people screened as part of the mother-to-child transmission prevention program
  • 2,698 cases of cholera treated
  • 7,922 blood transfusions
  • 5,254 children hospitalized in the pediatrics service of the Uvira hospital
  • 744 hospitalizations in emergency surgery

Treatment of victims of sexual violence

  • 3,603 victims of sexual violence treated, of whom 2,423 were referred to a psychosocial support cell and 157 referred for surgical reconstruction
  • 2,610 people screened for HIV [8.2% screened positive]
  • 453 preventive treatments of sexually transmitted diseases and 2,669 curative treatments

Training:

  • 114 people trained in psychosocial treatment
  • 14 home visitors trained in nutrition watch
  • 120 health care staff benefited from training sessions
  • 350 health care staff benefited from itinerant teaching provided by AMI’s superviser
sent 28 June 2006