Dear Friends,
In recent years the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been experiencing an increase of heavy rains, often causing material and human damage. Last month, HEAL Africa was not exempt from such a disaster.
On March 31, 2016, the rain began to fall in Goma at 4:00pm.
On April 1, 2016, HEAL Africa staff arrived to work on Friday morning to find that the hospital had not been spared from the disaster affecting the rest of Goma.
The city’s drainage channel, which runs in front of HEAL Africa’s hospital, was unable to contain the rush of water.
The overflow forced one of the hospital gates open. Many of HEAL Africa’s vital services and medical devices were inundated, as water rose over 3 feet in some areas.
In the past month, HEAL Africa’s staff dedicated their time to cleaning up and assessing the damage. They fixed equipment that could be salvaged and set up makeshift areas to continue serving patients with critical conditions, particularly women going into labor.
Major areas impacted by the devastation include the pharmacy, radiology, operating room, computers and electronics, including the patients’ wards.
We need your help to get us back on our feet!
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