The village of Nyaleke in DR Congo's North Kivu province still has no health facility of any kind, Radio Okapi reported. Its only health post was destroyed 10 years ago in attacks attributed to ADF rebels. Local sources told the broadcaster on Saturday that the lack of care is hitting residents hard, especially pregnant women.
Local authorities say the health post was destroyed in 2016 and was never rebuilt or replaced. Nyaleke lies about 15 km from the town of Beni, and most of its people are farmers. Since then, they have had to go to nearby facilities for treatment.
For many patients, the closest option is the Paida health centre, about seven kilometres away. Pregnant women often have to travel that distance, or go to the Munzambayi health centre, for antenatal checks and to give birth.
Fabien Bakokoli Alisabiya, the local chief, said that he keeps writing to the authorities and appealing for help. Last month, he said, he went to Paida to discuss drinking water and a new clinic with the health committee. According to him, officials asked the village to find a plot of land for the project, but no concrete solution has followed.
The head of the Paida health area told Radio Okapi that talks with the authorities and partners are under way to find a lasting solution. Residents say a clinic close to home would greatly improve access to care. They also say it would reduce the risks faced by patients and pregnant women.