Ambulance lifeline for Oicha hospital amid north kivu crisis

In a decisive move to bolster emergency medical response in North Kivu, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has equipped the General Reference Hospital of Oicha with a fully outfitted ambulance, specifically earmarked for the maternity and obstetrics department. This initiative ensures rapid, cost-free transport of critical medical cases to appropriate care facilities.

The ambulance is a lifeline for pregnant women facing complications, survivors of sexual violence, critically injured children, and war-wounded individuals. Prior to this donation, the absence of specialized transport often turned patient transfers into perilous, sometimes fatal, ordeals.

This vital contribution aligns with the national initiative « zéro franc à la caisse », a strategy funded by the National Fund for Reparations for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Conflict and Other Grave Crimes (FONAREV).

Dr. Kaseraka Nzala Essaie, the acting medical director of Oicha’s General Reference Hospital, praised the UNFPA’s commitment to ensuring every pregnancy is wanted and every birth safe. He emphasized the lifesaving significance of the donation in a region plagued by relentless attacks:

« In a land scarred by recurring violence, this ambulance is more than a vehicle—it is a lifeline. Each minute saved here means a life preserved. »

The handover ceremony marked a pivotal moment, but the hospital’s needs extend beyond transportation. Renovations are underway to upgrade the delivery room, which serves an average of 350 deliveries monthly amidst a growing displaced population exceeding the hospital’s 89-bed capacity.

Beyond transport: Holistic care for survivors

During the visit, UNFPA’s representative toured the Integrated Multisectoral Service Center (IMSC) at Oicha Hospital, a hub providing comprehensive support for survivors of sexual violence and gender-based abuse. The center offers integrated services, including medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and reintegration assistance.

Survivors shared moving testimonials, expressing deep gratitude for the holistic care that has been instrumental in their physical and emotional recovery.

Oicha: A focal point of human and health crises

In the Beni territory, Oicha and surrounding areas are grappling with a dire humanitarian and security crisis. Repeated attacks by the ADF armed group have displaced thousands, swelling local populations by over 40% with highly vulnerable displaced families.

Adding to the turmoil, North Kivu faces its 17th Ebola outbreak (Bundibugyo strain), compounding the challenges of conflict-related human rights violations and sexual violence.

UN partnership for dignity and recovery

Funded through FONAREV and implemented under a Joint United Nations Programme—collaborating agencies include UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, OHCHR, and UNFPA—this initiative falls under Emergency Provisional Measures. UNFPA leads the joint effort alongside partners like PPSSP, Heal Africa, and TPO in North and South Kivu, providing critical support and reparations for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and grave crimes.