The disengagement of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) from the project to care for people living with HIV/AIDS in the areas of Goma, Karisimbi and Nyiragongo (North Kivu) raises concerns and highlights the challenges faced the patients.
The announcement of this disengagement was made by Romain Madjissembaye, project manager, during a press conference in Goma. He highlighted the successes achieved through MSF’s interventions in these health areas, but expressed concern about the future of hospitalized patients.
He launched a plea for the government to mobilize funds and ensure continuity of care. Indeed, the Virunga hospital center is the only advanced HIV treatment center in the North Kivu region, and it was supported by MSF. Maintaining access to care will therefore depend on the government’s ability to finance these services.
This news has aroused concern among civil society in North Kivu, who stress the importance of taking urgent measures to fill the void left by the departure of MSF. Around 5,000 people living with HIV/AIDS have been cared for by MSF in these health zones since August 2015, in 12 health centers.
This situation also raises the question of the financial resources available to ensure adequate care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The appeals launched by MSF and civil society in North Kivu aim to mobilize funds from the government and organizations such as the Global Fund.
It is crucial to guarantee continuity of care for people living with HIV/AIDS, in order to prevent complications of the disease and ensure a better quality of life. The role of local actors, health authorities and international organizations is essential to meet this challenge and ensure adequate care for people affected by HIV/AIDS in the North Kivu region.
It is time to act and mobilize the necessary resources to support these vulnerable patients. Health is a fundamental right and international solidarity must be fully exercised to guarantee access to care for all, regardless of their place of residence.