Ending Extreme Poverty in the Congo

Bush Doctors Are Hard to Find and Keep

Here's a rare photo opportunity captured at Bulape Hospital in 2005.  What's so rare about it?

First, there are three doctors in scrubs ready for surgery.  Second, one of the three doctors is an American female doctor, Dr. Rebecca.  Three, Bulape's head nurse, the third person (standing on the right), was preparing to go to medical school.

The Bulape Hospital serves a rural population of about 100,000 people with two doctors.

Since 2005, Bulape has managed (actually struggled) to keep two doctors on staff.  The faces have changed almost annually.  That's an accomplishment!  Not too many bush hospitals in rural Congo have been so successful in maintaining or even staying open.  Doctors don't like the working conditions especially in the bush.

Pictured from left to right, Dr. Francois, Dr. Bernard, Dr. Rebecca, and Head Nurse Jean. 

Congolese Children Would Pay the Price

Instead of doing their homework, these Congolese children are doing their housework.  They are making one of several trips to the local improved water source.  It is not in the village.  It is about three miles down the hill from the village.

This improved water source is a simple ground-water spring that was capped.  Village pays a man to maintain peace and order at the water source.  Also, the man ensure that the children do not destroy or damage the water source.

The water from this improved source is safe and clean.  Safety and cleanliness is important.  Walking three miles is a price to pay but what are the options?  None!  These children could pay the ultimate price if they drunk dirty and unsafe water.

Manual Well Drilling is More Beneficial

Drilling for water by hand or manually is labor intensive.  About 6-8 men are employed for the drilling operation.  Even more men would be employed if the practice was not stopped.

Unemployment is probably about 50 percent in the Congo.  So, a job is coveted position.  Everyone shows up and starts to work in hopes of a pay at the end of the day, week, or month.

Ironically, well drilling is a skill in high demand in the Congo.  There are only a hand-full of drilled wells in the Kasai provinces.

Hand drilling is a valuable skill.  There is little difference between machine drilling and manual drilling except for a mechanical powered machines.  The water from both operations is safe and clean.

Hand well drilling is more beneficial to the employment situation.

Do You Dream About Water?

Safe clean drinking water is worth a smile.  Young girls learn at an early age the essentials of life.  Safe clean drinking is one of those essentials.

It would be nice if the water was closer to her house.  That's a wish and a dream.  The BIGGEST dream would be to have running water available inside their house.   

When was last time you dreamed about drinking water?  If you lived in rural Congo, the availability of safe clean drinking water is a dream for three out of four people. 

Congolese Women Do It Physically and Longer

It is no secret that most women work harder.  They care for their children.  They cook for their families.  They run errands.  They work one, two or three jobs.

But Congolese women work physically harder.  They carry heavy food stuff from the fields over long distances.  They carry  gallons of water over long distances.  They carry infants while doing other jobs. 

They work outside the home from sunrise to sunset.  Then they work at home.

Congolese Women Need More Than "Breast Cancer Awareness"

Every women needs to be aware of breast cancer.  It can strike anyone regardless of educational level, national origin, or economic status.  However, if it strikes a Congolese women living in a rural village.  The lack of access to health care, high illiteracy, and extreme poverty creates a perfect storm.  I saw a breast cancer case at the Bulape Hospital that was just unbelievable.  It is probably the worst looking case, too.

 

As a man, I knew monthly self-exam of the breast was a responsible of every women.  What went wrong here?!

Rural poor Congolese women needed (breast cancer) awareness and (general and women health) education.  Also, they need access to health care.  And, they may need funds to ensure that get the required medical treatment.   

It Takes More Luck, Dedication and Preservance to Travel

It took Justin over a week to travel back to Bulape from Kananga, a distance of just over 170 miles.  He probably could have walked or rode a bicycle faster.

Justin had went to Kananga to pick up money for student scholarships, teacher books, charity care, doctor and nurses scholarships, sewing machines, and other stuff.  Here's a message from Justin.

Hi Father,

I arrived yesterday night. I left Kananga since last week and did spend about a week  between Kananga and Mweka. The first train let us at Kakenge for 4 days then from Kakenge I took a moto to Bulape via Mweka. There is not much trafic, simply because the oil fuel and gasoline is expensive. Thanks to God I arrived safely and with all my staff. And my family is doing fine.

Thank you. Justin

I thank Justin.  Besides money, you must have luck, dedication and perservance to travel in Congo.