Alain Akpadji, the Representative of UNFPA, recently delivered a fully equipped medical ambulance to the Oicha General Referral Hospital, specifically designated for its maternity and obstetrics department. This vital addition aims to ensure the swift and free transfer of urgent medical cases to appropriate healthcare facilities.

The beneficiaries of these critical evacuations include pregnant women experiencing complications, survivors of sexual violence, critically injured children, and war-wounded individuals in vulnerable conditions. Previously, the absence of suitable medical transport often transformed patient transfers into a perilous, frequently fatal ordeal.

This essential donation aligns directly with the national strategy of “zero franc at the cash register,” a program funded by the National Fund for Reparation of Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Other Crimes Against Peace and Human Security (FONAREV).

Dr. Kaseraka Nzala Essaie, the interim Medical Director of Oicha General Referral Hospital, lauded UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to fostering a world where every pregnancy is desired and every delivery is safe. He underscored both the symbolic and practical significance of this contribution:

In a region plagued by incessant attacks, this ambulance is more than just a vehicle; it represents a crucial tool for survival. Here, every minute saved translates directly into a life preserved.

Beyond the vehicle donation, renovation work is currently underway on the delivery room within the Oicha General Referral Hospital. This facility, with an 89-bed capacity, manages an average of 350 deliveries each month, operating under relentless demographic pressure.

Beyond transport: comprehensive and integrated care

During his mission, the Representative visited the Multisectoral Integrated Services Center (CISM), situated within the Oicha General Referral Hospital itself. This center provides a holistic approach to addressing the trauma experienced by survivors of sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence. Specialized counters are established to offer comprehensive support, encompassing medical, psychosocial, legal, and reintegration services.

Throughout the visit, several beneficiaries shared their experiences and expressed profound gratitude for the high-quality assistance they had received. They particularly highlighted the crucial role these services played in their journey towards physical and mental recovery.

Alain Akpadji, resident representative of UNFPA in the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside survivors at the Multisectoral Integrated Services Center in Oicha, Nord-Kivu.

Oicha: an epicenter of human and health crises

In the Beni territory, the security situation continues its alarming deterioration. Persistent attacks by the non-state armed group ADF have forced thousands of families to flee their homes. Consequently, Oicha and Beni are grappling with a population surge of over 40% due to the influx of extremely vulnerable displaced individuals.

Compounding this security crisis, characterized by severe human rights violations and conflict-related sexual violence, is the 17th outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, specifically the Bundibugyo strain.

A United Nations partnership for dignity

This critical support, funded by FONAREV through a Joint United Nations Program (involving UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, OHCHR, and UNFPA), forms part of the Emergency Provisional Measures (MPU). UNFPA, leading the agencies within this joint initiative, collaborates with PPSSP, Heal Africa, and TPO across the Nord and Sud-Kivu provinces. Their collective mission is to assist and provide reparations to victims of conflict-related sexual violence and other grave crimes.