Moma Suffers from Militia Raids

Kaluvu

Twenty-year-old Kaluvu was forced to flee her village near Moma when rebel militiamen began burning homes and killing people in nearby villages. Her family fled to a nearby forest where they were able to find safety from the killing. However, Kaluvu—already sick—became even sicker and was taken to Moma Hospital, where rebels had ransacked the buildings and stolen supplies and medicines.

Nevertheless, there were still staff at the hospital, working by day and disappearing into the forests themselves at night. Kaluvu was diagnosed with typhoid fever, acute appendicitis and a bilateral ovarian cyst. She was treated and after several weeks allowed to return to the forest to find her family.

KANGA –Dr. Christophe checks on Kanga before he is released.

Kanga, only a year old, was brought from the forest where her family was hiding. The tiny infant girl was suffering from severe malaria and bronchitis. While she was under medical treatment, her father was killed in the clashes between the militia and military. Kanga recovered and was able to return to her family.

According to the United Nations, Kaluvu and Kanga are two of more than 1.4 million people – including 850,000 children – who have been forced from their homes in Kasai Province, and their lives turned upside down by widespread acts of extreme violence.

At Moma and surrounding villages, militia burned homes, stole food and livestock, clothing and household items. Villagers fled to the forests. Several women gave birth in the bush, but many infants and small children died due to extreme diarrhea, typhoid fever, malaria and malnutrition.

Burned homes in Moma village

While more than 200 government health centers have been destroyed, Moma Hospital has been able to remain open thanks to the generous donations from Friends of Moma Hospital. However, remaining open has not been without great difficulty. The heroism on the part of the staff, who also lost their homes and lived in the forests, was incredible. They returned each day to work.

Dr. Christophe Bakamubia, the new medical director at Moma Hospital, continued to perform emergency surgery even while the militia forced the hospital to give them medical treatment and money while at the same time intimidating patients and staff, and stealing mattresses, bed sheets and anything they could get their hands on.

The rebels also destroyed Bibles and songbooks, items central to the spiritual mission of the hospital.

Over the years Moma Hospital has gone through many ups and downs; however, this is the worst that has happened! Friends of Moma Hospital have been very supportive and we are grateful for the love and compassion shown to the people of Moma. But now, more than ever, we need your help. So many lives destroyed, villages burned and the hospital left devastated.

The people of Moma need your help now—at one of the most critical moments in the hospital’s 80-year history.

Please click on “How to Donate” and give what you can during this difficulty time.

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