Uvira Mental Health DR Congo

CRPDU - Uvira Mental Health Services
UVIRA PSYCHO-SOCIAL REHABILITATION CENTER
CENTRE DE READAPTATION PSYCHO-SOCIAL
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Home Français About Us Services/Programs Donations Recovery Partners Who We Help Resources Uvira Mobile Teams Contact Us
Telepsychiatry Service
About Mental Illness
STOP the Stigma
Welcome to website of Uvira Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Center (CRPU)
Most Congolese people still (mistakenly) believe that mentally ill people are either possessed by demonic forces or victims of witchcraft. This
explains why traditional healers and exorcism practices are widely used to treat mental health illnesses in Congo. Of great concern is that there
are currently no mental health hospital in eastern Congo or training programmes for psychiatrists or psychologists. But we are helping to change
this because we can no longer afford to ignore the reality that mental health is an essential part of overall health.
While much attention from Non-
Government Organizations,
have been focused on meeting
the "basic needs' such as food,
shelter and some physical
illnesses of the local population
in DRC, these efforts are often
undermined by the growing
unmet mental health problems.
The local population, especially,
women and children are
constantly haunted by
psychological and emotional
scars that are not treated nor
acknowledged due to lack of
awareness about mental
illnesses and mental health
system.
That's why the need for a
mental health center in the
territory of Uvira is
overwhelming.
For almost two decades, eastern regions of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are
still plagued by violence as various rebel groups continue to terrorize the local populations
CRPU aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals in territory of Uvira by serving
as a community resource for the understanding and treatment of mental health and
supporting victims of sexual violence and their families and loved ones
Unfortunately, those most vulnerable
people live in the territory of Uvira in
South-Kivu Province where people
are still not able to access mental
health services.
Mental illness sufferers are shunned
and isolated with no access to any
form of psychological or psychiatric
treatment, unless they seek out
exorcists and other spiritual healers.
With your support, we are building
the first Psycho-Social
Rehabilitation Center
(CRPU) in territory of Uvira to
help address the long-overlooked
mental health issues that affect
many people in eastern Congo.
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CRPDU - Uvira Mental Health Services
The Center will offer specialized rehabilitation services to promote the social integration of individuals
(children, adolescents, sexual violence victims or other adults ) who are experiencing mental health problems
that significantly interfere with their daily lives while providing support to their families and loved ones. Uvira is part of eastern Congo where gang
rape has long been used as a brutal weapon of war. The territory of Uvira is also often used as a launching site for armed conflicts in Congo,
including the most recent tragic conflict that claimed the lives of more than 5 million people
We are building strategic partnerships to move forward with phase II
Those interested in learning more about the launched construction are encouraged to contact
Mr. Jean-Paul Magu by phone at + 243 99 411 6778 or send an email to the following
address: contact@CRPDUVIRA.org
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En Français
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Cliquez ici pour visiter ce site en Français
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En Français
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About Us
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Mission
Vision
Values
Staff Directory
Meeting Notices
Facility Directory
Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Center For Uvira (CRPU)
Located in Kawizi, in suburb of the city of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo, CRPU aims to provide a full array of mental health
services and support for sexual violence victims and their families and loved ones. The goal of CRPU is to restore an individual’s ability for independent
living, socialization and effective life management. We aim to serve the needs of the Territory of Uvira while also serving individuals and their families
from throughout the South Kivu Provine and surrounding regions The Center will provide consumers and victims of sexual violence with
numerous opportunities for social, recreational and vocational activities.
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About Us
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/aboutus.aspx (2 of 2) [9/15/2013 6:05:37 PM]
Submit Query

Services Programs
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Sexual Violence Support S
Emergency/Crisis Hotline
Acute Inpatient Services
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Support Group Calendar
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Prevention & Education
Services and programs include mental health services, urgent intervention, outpatient services, group therapy, psychiatric services for
children, adolescents and adults, adolescent and adult day treatment, s family counseling. Sexual Violence Support Services, Emergency/Crisis
Hotline, Acute Inpatient Services, Outpatient Services, Adolescent Service, Adult Services, Senior Support Services, Support Group
Calendar , Counseling Services , Medication Support , Pharmacy Services, Prevention & Education
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Services Programs
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Submit Query

Donations
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Donations
Can we count on you to be part of this effort?
Any amount / contribution is most welcome and appreciated
You may never need us, but need your help.
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/JoinUs.aspx [9/15/2013 6:05:41 PM]
Submit Query

Recovery Model
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Recovery
Recovery is integrated into all of our levels of care across each of our facilities. We strive to create an environment that fosters the recovery values,
while providing enough guidance and support to allow consumers to make choices and actively participate in determining what recovery means to each
of them.
We strongly believe that recovery is a supportive process where a person is encouraged to maximize their life and achieve a sense of balance and
fulfillment. It is a deeply personal and self directed process built on hope, empowerment, meaningful roles and spirituality.
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Partners
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
RADIO MESSAGES
Partners
CRPU Partners
This page will soon have a list of organizations that CRPU partners with for the common good of our community for both our territory of Uvira as well as
our South Kivu Province.
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/Partners.aspx [9/15/2013 6:05:45 PM]
Submit Query

Who We Help
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Patient & Visitor Informa
Who We Help
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/WhoWeHelp.aspx [9/15/2013 6:05:46 PM]

Resources
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Resources
CRPU offers access to the following educational resources from varous sources
http://www.suttermedicalcenter.org/psychiatry/resources/
● About Mental Illness
● Anorexia Nervosa
● Bipolar Disorder
● Borderline Personality Disorder
● Bulimia Nervosa
● Dual Diagnosis and Integrated Treatment of Mental Illness and Substance
Abuse Disorder
● Major Depression
● Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
● Panic Disorder
● Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome
● Seasonal Affective Disorder
● Depression Evaluation Calculator
● American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
● American Psychiatric Association
● Anxiety Disorders Association of America
● Center for Mental Health Services
● Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
● Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
● Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
● National Mental Health Association
● National Mental Health Information Center
● Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Foundation
● National Mental Health AssociationNational Mental Health Information
Center
● Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Foundation
● Being Your Best
● Coping During Difficult Economic Times
● Coping With Job Loss
● Difficult People
● Divorce and the Family
● The "Dry Drunk"
● Healthy Eating Can be a fun Adventure
● Family Communication
● Good Grief
● The Problem with Bullying
● Releasing Anger
● School Anxiety
● Staying Together
● Step-Families
● Stress Management
● Stress Management Techniques
● Stress Relief Excercises
● When a Loved One Dies
● National Center for PTSD
● National Child Traumatic Stress Network
● National Eating Disorders Association
● National Institute of Mental Health
● National Library of Medicine Medline Plus
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Resources
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Uvira
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
UVIRA
Uvira is a city in Sud-Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, located at the extreme north end of Lake
Tanganyika. Uvira has major lake port called Kalundu at the southern end of the town, which provides links by boat to
Kalemie (katanga), Kigoma in Tanzania, and Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. The town is linked
by road to Bukavu and Bujumbura. The town is 120 km from the city of Bukavu, the capital of Sud-Kivu, 60 km from
the territory of Fizi.
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Uvira
Uvira was the former capital of Sud-Kivu Subregion, which was part of the Kivu region
during the Mobutu era. Following the creation of Sud-Kivu as a province, the capital
was transferred to Bukavu.
Suggested Readings About Uvira
Uvira Remains a Strategic City In Congo
FMU - An Integrated Agropastoral Farm located in Kawizi-Uvira
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Mobile Teams
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Mobile Teams
Mobile Teams to travel to rural villages to assess the needs and provide community mental health care services
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Mobile Teams
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Contact Us
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Volunteering
Connect With Us:
Frequently Asked Question
Contact Information
If youhave any questions orif you want togive usfeedback, please send usan emailusing the formbelow
* First name (required):
* Last name (required):
* E-mail address (required):
Phone number:
* Message (required):
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Submit
Submit Query

D'UVIRA (CRPU)
STOP the Stigma
Uvira Telepsychiatry Room (UTR)
Uvira Telepsychiatry Room (UTR)
The mission of Uvira Telepsychiatry Room is helping most vulnerable people in east Congo who lack access to psychiatric care to
access it via interactive videoconferencing without having to worry about travel burdens and visa applications. " While no technology will ever take the
place of personal interaction, telepsychiatry has proven effective as a medium for clinical evaluation and care where onsite resources are limited by
time, distance, and financial constraints." http://ap.psychiatryonline.org
"I think this is a great way to impact a community remotely without travel cost." Medical Student at UC San Diego
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The use of interactive videoconferencing to assess and treat patients provides unprecedented access to
mental health services in our rural areas.
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The Truth About Mental Illness
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
STOP the Stigma
http://www.stopstigmasacramento.org/the-truth/
A mental illness causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, perception, mood and/or behavior. These disturbances can affect a person's ability to
cope with life's demands and routines. However, with education, support and treatment, people can—and do—recover and live fulfilling lives. Studies
indicate that the earlier a mental illness is identified and treated, the better the chances are for full recovery.
Common mental illnesses include:
● Adjustment disorders
● Panic disorder
● Obsessive-compulsive disorder
● Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
● Depressive disorder
● Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
● Eating disorders
● Bipolar disorder
● Schizophrenia
FACT: Like heart disease or diabetes, research shows that mental illness is often a medical condition that calls for proper treatment, support and education.
FACT: Two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental illness never seek professional help. Many do not know where to go, don't realize their condition
is treatable or fear discrimination.
FACT: Self-stigma prevents up to 60% of those with mental illness from seeking treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, people who suffer from chronic, untreated depression may die up to 25 years earlier than someone in the general population.
FACT: Roughly 50% of those with severe mental illness are also affected by substance abuse. Living with both disorders significantly increases stigma
and discrimination often resulting in social isolation.
FACT: People often associate mental illness with danger or violence. The fact is that someone with a mental illness is no more likely to be violent
than someone in the general population and is actually three times more likely to become a victim of violence.
The Real Threat: Stigma and Discrimination
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Stigma is the rejection, avoidance or fear people direct toward those they perceive as being "different." Stigma becomes discrimination when it
deprives people of their civil rights, access to fair housing, employment opportunities, education and full participation in life. According to a landmark
1999 United States Surgeon General report, stigma is "the most formidable obstacle to future progress in the arena of mental illness and health."
Stigma comes from other people, from institutions and even from self-imposed shame. Individually, each source of stigma represents a major
barrier. Collectively, they can be profoundly damaging and difficult to overcome. Stigma can shatter hopes of recovery and social inclusion, leaving the
person feeling devastated and isolated.
Nearly half of the adults in a national survey said they were unwilling to socialize with, work with, or live near someone with a mental illness. People living
with mental illness often say the stigma and discrimination associated with their illness can be worse than the mental illness itself.
The truth is, numerous people living with mental illness go about their everyday lives and successfully fulfill their roles at work, home and in their
community. Unless self-disclosed, no one would know that a neighbor, co-worker, supervisor or chief executive officer has a diagnosable mental illness.
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Reducing Mental Illness Stigma and Discrimination
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
STOP the Stigma
http://www.stopstigmasacramento.org/stop-stigma/
Mental illness affects one in five kids and young adults but many are too afraid to talk
about it due to embarrassment or shame.
Stigma and discrimination against those living with mental illness is widespread and reaches into schools and institutions of learning, employment,
housing, health care and media. It causes shame, prejudice and hopelessness and inhibits over half of those living with mental illness from seeking
treatment. This creates serious personal and societal consequences. When shame is removed from the equation, people with mental illness will more
readily seek treatment, achieve recovery and engage in meaningful activities.
Stigma is the largest obstacle to recovery, treatment and societal acceptance for people living with mental illness. Stigma and discrimination was a
major theme during Sacramento County's Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) community planning process from 2005-2011. Continuing the efforts of
the MHSA initiative, the Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) initiated a multimedia, mental health promotion and stigma
and discrimination reduction project. The goal is to fundamentally change negative attitudes and perceptions about mental illness and demonstrate
that people living with mental illness are everyday people leading meaningful lives.
The anti-stigma and discrimination project ultimately seeks to eliminate the barriers to achieving full inclusion in society and increase access to mental
health resources to support individuals and families. All of us can make a difference by making a commitment to end stigma and discrimination.
8 Things you can do to stop stigma and discrimination
1. Make a pledge.Refuse to perpetuate or tolerate stigma and commit to changing your language and attitude about people living with mental
illness. Using words like "crazy" or "insane" to describe someone living with mental illness is hurtful. Commit to removing this type of language and
other labels from your life.
2. Take a stand.Ask others to stop promoting stigma and using hurtful language. Keep in mind the best way to stop others from promoting stigma is
to educate them about mental health and to let them know how their words and actions hurt others.
3. Educate yourself.Learn about mental health issues and the devastating effects of stigma. Ask someone who has openly shared about their
mental health issues what their experience is like. Knowledge is a powerful tool for dispelling myths and stereotypes. Share your knowledge.
4. Be an ally.Think of a friend or family member you have been concerned about. Call them to see how they are feeling. If someone you know
exhibits sudden changes in behavior or is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to them and make every effort to ensure that they get help.
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5. Know your rights.The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal to discriminate against people with physical or psychiatric disabilities
in employment, transportation, communication, or recreation. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination because of race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability.
6. Be fearless.Begin a discussion with friends or family about a mental health topic, even if it doesn't apply to you. "What causes someone to feel
suicidal?" or "What do you think children feel when their parents divorce?" are examples.
7. End the silence.If you have been feeling down, stressed, or anxious, call or meet with a trusted friend or family member and tell them how you
are feeling. Remember that when you speak about your experience with mental illness, you give others permission to share their experiences.
8. Use your voice. Join us today. Being open about mental illness can reduce stigma and raise awareness.
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Mission
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Mission
Vision
Values
Staff Directory
Meeting Notices
Facility Directory
Mission
To providr collaborative mental health services that promote the social integration of people (children, adolescents or adults) with a serious mental
health disorder and sexual violence victims while supporting their families and loved ones
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Vision
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Mission
Vision
Values
Staff Directory
Meeting Notices
Facility Directory
Vision
Psychoicial Rehabilitation Center of Uvira will be the center of excellence for providing state of the art psychiatric health services in collaboration with
patients and their families, employees, physicians and other health care professionals in the community at large while maintaining sound ethical
standards and fiscal responsibility.
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Values
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Mission
Vision
Values
Staff Directory
Meeting Notices
Facility Directory
Values
Commitment to the values of compassion, integrity, respect, responsibility and teamwork
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Staff Directory
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Mission
Vision
Values
Staff Directory
Meeting Notices
Facility Directory
Staff Directory
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Meeting Notices
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Mission
Vision
Values
Staff Directory
Meeting Notices
Facility Directory
Meeting Notices
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Facility Directory
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Mission
Vision
Values
Staff Directory
Meeting Notices
Facility Directory
Facility Directory
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Sexual Violence Support Services
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Sexual Violence Support Services
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D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/EmergencyCrisisHotline.aspx [9/15/2013 6:06:16 PM]

D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/AcuteInpatientServices.aspx [9/15/2013 6:06:17 PM]

Outpatient Services
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Outpatient Services
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Adolescent Service
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Adolescent Service
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/AdolescentService.aspx [9/15/2013 6:06:19 PM]

Adult Services
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Adult Services
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Senior Services
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Senior
Services
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D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Monthly Calendar of Support Groups
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Counseling Services
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Counseling Services
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/CounselingServices.aspx [9/15/2013 6:06:24 PM]

Medication Support Services
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Medication Support Services
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/MedicationSupportServices.aspx [9/15/2013 6:06:25 PM]

Pharmacy Services
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Pharmacy Services
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/PharmacyServices.aspx [9/15/2013 6:06:26 PM]

Prevention and Education Program
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Outpatient Services
Adolescent Service
Adult Services
Senior Services
Counseling Services
Medication Support
Pharmacy Services
Prevention
and Education Program
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RADIO MESSAGES
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
RADIO MESSAGES
RADIO MESSAGES
BILA SHAKA
Hakuna mtu ambaye hajui mtu anaye sumbuliwa na namagonjwa ya akili yanayojulikana na wengi
katika luga ya Kifaransa kama "troubles mentaux" ao "maladies mentales"
Wengi wetu hata
hawajui kwamba
mtu anaye
sumbuliwa na
ugonjwa wa akili
ana haja ya
matibabu kama vile
kila mtu anahitaji
matibabu anapo
gonjwa kimwili.
Kweli ni mambo ya kushangaza saana kwamba hatu zungumuze kuhusu
tatizo hili kubwa la kiafya linalo gusa maisha yetu wote bila kuaangalia umri
wetu, kiwango chetu cha elimu, mila zetu, dini zetu, mali tunayo, u maskini
wetu, ao mahali tunapo ishi ! "Ukweli wa kusikitisha ni kwamba magonjwa ya
akili inatugusa wote".
Wengi wetu hata hawajui kwamba mtu anaye sumbuliwa na ugonjwa wa akili
ana haja ya matibabu kama vile kila mtu anahitaji matibabu anapo gonjwa
kimwili.
Kwa kusaidia kukabiliana na tatizo hili, kituo mpya cha
afya ya akili kina jengwa Kawizi - CENTRE DE
READAPTATION PSYCHO-SOCIAL D'UVIRA (CRPU). Kila
mtu ana karibishwa kushiriki katika ujenzi wa kituo hiki
ambacho ni cha kwanza ya aina yake katika eneo letu la
Uvira. www.crpduvira.org
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Patient & Visitor Information
D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Patient & Visitor Informa
Patient & Visitor Information
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D'UVIRA (CRPU)
Uvira Remains a Strategic City In Congo by Amede Kyubwa
It is true that time changes, but no one should really forget that the armed conflicts which tragically claimed the lives of more
than 5 million people in DRC all begun in the territory of Uvira before spreading to the rest the country. It is no coincidence
that this territory is used as a launching site for armed conflicts in Congo. Without mentioning its people or exaggerating,
the territory of Uvira is not like any other territory in DRC. The only city somewhat similar to Uvira is Kinshasa, the capital
of DR Congo. Similar but not quite the same. You are probably surprised to hear the city of Kinshasa being compared
with a small city of Uvira, but you quickly understand why this comparison has its reason. You will alsounderstand why it
may indeed be a suicide for any government in Kinshasa forget this strategic city.
As you know, Kinshasa is located near one capital (Brazzaville), while Uvira is located near two capitals. Bujumbura,
Burundi's capital Kigali and the Rwandan capital, are both located at a short distance from Uvira to the extent that one can
easily work dayly in both capitals, while living in Uvira. It is also interesting to note that in addition to being located on a very
short distance from these two capitals, Uvira has access to Zambia and Tanzania through Lake Tanganyika and Uganda is at
a distance of a few hours of driving. Although this does not explain anything, it brings some light on why people use Uvira
as launching site for their rebellions in Congo.
Since the end of the Mobutu regime, it is becoming perfectly clear that one can not talk about Uvira without mentioning
an important village near the town of Uvira. This village is Lemera. It is also the headquarters of the Collectivity Chieftaincy
of Bafuliru. While the Congolese people remain divided on the question of whether the use of force to overthrow the
dictatorial regime of President Mobutu was really justified because of hidden interests of those who were behind the
plan, something they can all remember is that the war has begun in the territory of Uvira in the village "Lemera. At that time,
for many, this was probably their first time to hear the name of Lemera.
Later, the name of Lemera became famous not because its known as the birthplace of the ADFL (Alliance of Democratic
Forces for the Liberation of Congo) or sometimes (Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo Zaire), but
because of some hidden contracts that were signed at the Lemera Hospital between Laurent Kabila and his Rwandan
sponsors at the launch of the war. As a reminder, the ADFL was the coalition that brought Kabila to power. It was composed,
by the Party for People's Revolution (PRP) Led by Laurent Kabila, the (CNRD) National Council of Resistance for Democracy
of Andre Kissasse Ngandu, the Revolutionary Movement for the Liberation of Zaire of Anselme Masasu Nindaga, and
the Democratic Peoples' Alliance of Deogratias Bugera. One must also remember that the official ceremony to launch the
ADFL launch was organized inside the Hospital of Lemera. This cost the lives of a great deal of people and the hospital
was completely destroyed after being looted by the ADFL (rebels of the time). Although some of the people who represented
their political parties during this celebration are no longer in power or in this life, it is still sad to note that the Hospital of
Lemera remains destroyed so far, despite the attempts of local use a few buildings remaining.
It is unfortunately noted that the Congolese government has not yet taken steps to rehabilitate the hospital. It raises questions
of whether President Joseph Kabila does not remember that it is in this Lemera Hospital where his father had started AFDL
using it as a launching site of the war that the led him to power. How can he forget so quickly Uvira in general and the Hospital
of Lemera in particular? But it will be recalled even rumors that the famous ship Kamanyola of Mobutu was renamed Lemera
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/UviraRemainsaStrategicCityInCongo.aspx (1 of 2) [9/15/2013 6:06:32 PM]

by Kabila, shortly after taking power. Although it is unclear at this time if the current President Kabila had also attended
the launching ceremonies of the war's Hospital Lemera, it is quite logical to say that he came to power because of
circumstances created in Lemera. For some political analysts, the violation by Kabila (father) of the said contracts signed in
the hospital by his own hand was the real cause of the second war, which created the conditions for the
mysterious circumstances of his assassination in 2001.
It's a good thing the Congolese reconstruction program called "5 chantiers" advocated by the President included the
construction of hospitals. But it should be noted that the Rehabilitation of Lemera Hospital is not even on the list. The need
to reconstruct this hospital is not a development issue but a moral responsibility of the Congolese government. Before being
used as a launching site of the war, Lemera was well known because of the same hospital, which was modern. It was built
and supported financially by the Swedish Pentecostal Missionnairies.
It is true that there are many things destroyed everywhere during these multiple armed conflicts in Congo, but the
willful negligence of rebuilding a hospital they destoyed them selves is something that nobody would imagined. Also the fact
that the hospita of Lemera was the only hospital that has served nearly 50 villages at that time, would have warranted some
type of emergency, if not a sense of moral obligation rehabilitate the hospital as soon as possible. There are just a lot of people
in about 50 villages that desperately need this hospital, unfortunately, they have nowhere to go, but condomned to die quietly
in their villages. The rehabilitation of this hospital is one of those little things that the Government can easily do to make
a significant impact in this strategic territory of Uvira. This is because the hospital used to serve the needs of the entire territory
of Uvira before its destruction. One can even say to forget the Hospital of Lemera is to forget the whole territory of Uvira.
Admittedly, because of the very important geostrategic position of Uvira, the risk of being used as a launching site to
destabilize Congo are still there. However, the government can do something to prevent this from happening again in Uvira. It
is high time for President Kabila to show he understands the threat that can easily be transformed into an opportunity for harm if
it is mismanaged. Logically, Uvira, despite being a small territory, it can be affirmed that its geo-strategic importance
far outweighs all other territories of the Congo. If it were not so, it would not have been used repeatedly as a launching site
of rebellions in Congo
http://www.crpduvira.org/Pages/UviraRemainsaStrategicCityInCongo.aspx (2 of 2) [9/15/2013 6:06:32 PM]

Volunteering
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Uvira Mental Health DR Congo

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