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Tam-Tams from Kivu
The
Health System - June 2006
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To
reach South Kivu from Europe, you take a flight to Kigali (Rwanda)
and once on solid ground take the road that links Kigali to Bukavu
(Democratic Republic of Congo). Without warning you transit from a
system of well maintained asphalted roads, lined with houses that
are block built, to a treacherous muddy road whose limits are far
from clear between the cob or plank huts and cabins. On a first
visit the contrast is shocking. The region is in such a state of
disorganization that you ask yourself how people live, work, have a
family, educate their children, survive... Using your wits is an
absolute necessity here. The resourcefulness of people is
legendary.
Amongst this confusion some institutions survive. The Catholic
Church, with its network of parishes and seminaries is very much
alive. In Goma, a thousand faithful attend each of the three masses
held in the Cathedral every Sunday, each mass lasting at least two
hours! The church remains an agent for the promotion and maintenance
of peace, along with health, elements that are often linked.
The health system has been inherited from colonial times. By
necessity, it has adapted well to the situation: because of the lack
of transport and roads, it is the health centers that respond to the
needs the villagers. The Walungu hospital, the principle target of
our NGO, is very active in its health zone (about fifteen centers)
and in its health district (three zones). During my visit to the
area a village reopened its health center and was looking for
official recognition and integration into the health zone. A visit
was organized by the head of the health zone, Dr Musafiri,
accompanied by a declaration of intent made by the head of the zone,
and a plot of building land being made available by the local chief,
all accomplished in a spirit of welcome. After evaluation of
the existing work being done in a temporary wooden building, an
agreement was given by the head of the health zone, to the great joy
of the villagers, who accompanied our departure with the soaring
tones of a traditional song.
The health system is primarily decentralized; it would be a pity for
it to be ruined through a re-centralization the day that, having
freed themselves from their interminable problems, the country were
to reallocate funds to rebuild its roads. While waiting for better
days, the population is putting its hopes in the upcoming
Presidential elections in July.
Thank you for the support that you bring directly to this well
adapted health system. Thank you for your interest in this region,
its inhabitants and their future.
Receive
the Tam-Tams from the Kivu
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