HEAL Africa hospital has relaunched sensitizations to increase of the health of women and young girls in North-Kivu province, Goma. This is the second session after a long interruption due to the limitations related to COVID-19. This is normally a routine activity conducted by our health staff. Funded by Engender Health, today’s session drew both men and women attendees from local churches and schools from the suburban quarters of Turunga, Munigi, and Majengo in Goma.

The session focused on addressing the causes and prevention of maternal deaths and complications that may result in fistula and prolapse. (Timely) access to health centers and lack of quality care were raised as the most common reasons that lead to problems.

Access to contraception is very low in third world countries, reported the WHO in 2015. “This is mostly due to some false ideas spread in the community”, asserted Dr Benjamin Kalole, an Ob-Gyn at HEAL Africa hospital. For example, a woman was asked to stop using an IUD because she was told it was a sin.

Dr Benjamin and Dr Esther Kitambala, who carried out the workshop, concluded the activity by encouraging participants to spread the message in their communities, thus further expanding the network of community activists.