Medical Care in the Crisis Area
Cap Anamur's medical work at Bossembélé Hospital has had to adapt to the unrest surrounding the presidential election since mid-December 2020. In our podcast, we report on the situation in the Central African Republic.
Unstable political situation complicates aid work
The political situation in the Central African Republic is still unstable 2 months after the presidential election.
In mid-December, armed unrest broke out (we reported in the news of December 18, 2020) and our medical project staff had to leave the hospital in Bossembélé to be brought to safety. During this time, medical care could be provided by the local staff. From the capital Bangui, Cap Anamur staff were in constant contact with the hospital staff in Bossembélé.
Cap Anamur organizes food delivery
Until mid-January, the situation around our hospital site was very tense. Our medical staff and the project staff could only monitor the situation from a distance. Since nearly 1,000 people sought refuge on our hospital grounds when the fighting began, their supply of food and water had to be ensured. We therefore arranged for a large food delivery on December 28. After that, some calm returned and many shelter seekers returned to their villages.
Cap Anamur employees return to work
At the end of January, Cap Anamur staff were able to return to the hospital and help care for the patients.
Once again, riots lead to emergency situations and require further food and medicine delivery
At the beginning of February, unrest picked up again and many hundreds of people again sought refuge on the hospital grounds. We were able to supply the people well with a large delivery of food and medicine. To prevent infectious diseases in such a large number of people, we have installed new sanitary facilities. The higher water demand could be covered by the extension of the well.
As the population is currently in a crisis situation, we offer our medical care free of charge.
Cap Anamur Podcast Episode 1: Central African Republic
We report on the current situation and the political background that led to the armed unrest in the first episode of our Cap Anamur Podcast. In it, our board chairman Volker Rath talks to board member Dr. Werner Höfner, who has made regular project visits to the Central African Republic, about the political situation in the country.
Our current project staff member Jesse, who has spent the last few weeks on site as a nurse, also reports on the current situation. Our local project worker Marius Akpe and our managing director Bernd Göken also have their say, and provide an interesting overview of our work in the Central African Republic – and explain how important the aid will continue to be in the future.
Listen to our first podcast episode on the Central African Republic right here.