A new lifeline for emergency care in North Kivu’s Oicha

In a significant boost to emergency medical services in the conflict-affected region of Oicha, North Kivu, the UNFPA Representative, Alain Akpadji, has officially delivered a fully equipped, medicalized ambulance. This critical asset is specifically designated for the maternity and obstetrics department at the Oicha General Reference Hospital, ensuring rapid and free transport for urgent medical cases to specialized care facilities.

The absence of suitable medical transport has, until now, tragically transformed patient transfers into a perilous journey, often with fatal consequences. This new ambulance will primarily serve pregnant women experiencing complications, survivors of sexual violence, critically ill children, and individuals wounded in the ongoing conflict, providing them with a much-needed lifeline.

This essential donation aligns directly with the national “zero franc at the cash register” strategy, a vital initiative funded by the National Fund for Reparations for Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and other crimes against peace and human security (FONAREV).

Dr. Kaseraka Nzala Essaie, the acting Medical Director of the Oicha General Reference Hospital, expressed profound gratitude for UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every pregnancy is desired and every birth is safe. He underscored both the symbolic and practical importance of this contribution:

“In a region constantly threatened by recurrent attacks, this ambulance transcends being merely a vehicle; it is a vital tool for survival. Here, every minute saved directly translates into a life preserved.”

Beyond the ambulance donation, the Oicha General Reference Hospital is also undergoing significant rehabilitation work on its delivery room. With a capacity of 89 beds, the hospital currently manages an average of 350 deliveries each month, operating under immense demographic pressure.

A holistic approach to care and recovery

During his visit, the UNFPA Representative also toured the Integrated Multisectoral Services Center (CISM), located within the Oicha General Reference Hospital. This center offers comprehensive support to survivors of sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, addressing their trauma holistically. Specialized service desks provide integrated medical, psychosocial, legal, and reintegration assistance.

Several beneficiaries shared their powerful testimonies during the visit, expressing deep gratitude for the quality of care received and highlighting the pivotal role these services play in their physical and mental recovery journeys.

Alain Akpadji, resident representative of UNFPA in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with survivors at the Integrated Multisectoral Services Center in Oicha, North Kivu. Photo: Junior Mayindu

Oicha: at the heart of a humanitarian crisis

The security situation in the Beni territory, where Oicha is located, continues to worsen. Persistent attacks by the non-state armed group ADF have forced thousands of families to flee their homes. Consequently, Oicha and Beni have experienced a population surge of over 40% due to the influx of extremely vulnerable displaced persons.

This security crisis, marked by grave human rights violations and conflict-related sexual violence, is further complicated by the 17th Ebola Virus Disease epidemic (Bundibugyo strain) impacting the region.

United Nations partnership for dignity and recovery

Funded by FONAREV through a Joint United Nations Programme – bringing together UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, OHCHR, and UNFPA – this critical support falls under the Emergency Provisional Measures (MPU). UNFPA, leading the agencies in this joint program, collaborates with partners such as PPSSP, Heal Africa, and TPO across North and South Kivu provinces. Their collective efforts are dedicated to assisting and providing reparations for victims of conflict-related sexual violence and other serious crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.