Context

Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is an active conflict zone, where frequent outbreaks of violence between rebel groups, national forces, and foreign military actors continue to devastate communities. In this fragile and unstable setting, access to medical care is severely limited, especially for trauma and maternal health services. The need is even more acute in maternal care, where most women are forced to give birth in unsanitary and unsafe conditions due to lack of resources or available facilities. The cost of care further restricts access, leaving many without any viable options for treatment.

Centre Médical Bienvenu (CMB) in Bunia, Eastern DRC, Ituri Province, responds directly to these needs by providing affordable, high-quality care, and has never turned away a patient due to inability to pay.

Earlier this year, renewed fighting between rebel groups, Congolese forces, and Ugandan troops forced the evacuation of most NGO and missionary personnel from the region. Despite the dangers, CMB’s staff chose to remain, providing continuous care when most facilities had shut down. Their unwavering commitment ensured that the community retained access to life-saving services during a time of heightened need.

This project is vital because it fills critical healthcare gaps in a war-affected, under-resourced region, offering a locally-led, resilient, and sustainable solution where few others exist.

Goals

Provide a dedicated operational maternal care space at Centre Médical Bienvenu (CMB) through the purchase and equipment of an adjacent property.

This new facility will address critical space limitations and improve the safety and quality of care for expectant mothers and newborns. Once operational, the space will accommodate up to 18 women and children each week for prenatal classes and medical check-ups, which are currently held in overcrowded and shared clinical areas.