Our medical team visited Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2005. We found the people living in abject poverty in deplorable conditions.   Most of the people only eat three meals a week! We worked in two hospitals/clinics where we found the equipment to be ancient or nonexistent. The major hospitals there are closed because the doctors and nurses have been on strike for several months. We understand that many of the major hospitals do not even have mattresses on their beds! 

 

We began the shipping process in March 2005 to outfit 21 clinics/hospitals that are associated with our organization. A task force has been set up there, made up of two clinic representatives and two doctors, who have drawn an agreement as to how the equipment and goods will be dispersed.

 

Our first shipment will supply generally needed items (gloves, suture, linens, exam tables, etc.) because we can send these things out more quickly. Our second task is to begin to outfit the labs. We are working with an agency that is helping us to know exactly which tests will be beneficial and which test each clinic/hospital can support in the terms of supplies. The agency provides a survey, which we have had translated and sent to each clinic/hospital. As the surveys are completed, they will be evaluated and we will be advised by the agency as to what equipment and supplies each clinic needs. We will then begin collecting, refurbishing, and preparing these items for shipment.