Break Barriers, Raise Expectations on Primary Healthcare
The DRC faces steep challenges in access to primary healthcare, this can especially be seen in the Kivus. Every year on April 7th, humanity celebrates World Health Day; this year, the 75th anniversary is calling for “Health for All”. On this day, ECI highlights the need for equitable access, innovating ways to overcome barriers and increase our expectations.
Health-related challenges remain enormous in South Kivu, where healthcare infrastructure is often insufficient and under-equipped, with serious health consequences for urban, peri-urban, and rural communities. Asili health clinics and centers are immediately disguishable, with high standards of care and cleanliness. Photo of the Mudaka Clinic taken by Sarah Kangendo, Lens on Life
Asili, a social enterprise funded by ECI, started in June 2014 to tackle the number one concern for mothers in South Kivu: outcomes for children under five. Working with groups of Congolese mothers to understand and meet their needs, as well as hear their ideas, a new model was born. Over the past years, in collaboration with the Congolese Ministry of Health and through different health zones, Asili has grown to provide quality primary healthcare to four communities, namely Kabare, Nyantende, Miti-Murhesa, and Kalehe.
“By working with the community, Asili has created welcoming medical structures that are a source of pride for the communities and meet the health needs of the population. The services offered are affordable and of quality, allowing everyone to access healthcare regardless of their income level. This has helped break the financial barriers that often prevent the most vulnerable from accessing the quality healthcare they need,” shares Valery Namuto, Regional Director for ECI.
This year, World Health Day is focused on the theme of “Health for All,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring equitable access. “For populations who cannot afford to pay for healthcare, an initiative called ‘Asili for All’ raises funds from various local and international benefactors to facilitate the care of certain members of the community. These individuals are selected in collaboration with local leaders based on criteria predefined by Asili,” says Dr. Ange Sikwaya, former Medical Manager at Asili.
Asili’s medical staff is trained to provide primary healthcare to multiple communities across South Kivu, overcoming geographical and cultural barriers that prevent populations from accessing healthcare. “Asili contributes to overcoming these barriers by bringing healthcare structures closer to communities, using an awareness-based approach to break down cultural misconceptions that hinder access to care. Asili explains to patients and visitors the promises that reassure the patient and maintain trust in their care process,” says Dr. Ange.
Asili’s vision centers on the dignity of the patient. This is reflected in affordable services, where the prices are painted on the walls to demonstrate transparency, and practicing a quality-focused approach that places the patient at the center of all decisions. Local communities are involved in the design and implementation of health programs, ensuring that services are tailored to local needs.
The results achieved by Asili are remarkable. Last year, Asili treated 10,394 patients for primary curative care, and thousands more through vaccination and child health clinics. And that’s just the beginning. Already, since adding a focus on maternity care this year, Asili has conducted 520 prenatal consultations. The first baby was delivered, happy and healthy, in our dedicated maternity. Currently serving people with medical centers in Karambi, Buhanga, Mudusa, and Mudaka, and a larger medical clinic in Minova, Asili looks to expand both its services and locations this year. The focus, however, will remain high-quality, reliable care that the communities both need and want. In short, Healthcare for All.
