In order to achieve its goals in Kikwit and in its neighborhoods, PEF has implemented (developed) the following medical and social activities:
MEDICAL SERVICES
1. HEALTH CENTER
Polyclinique Esperantia & Fraternité (PEF) treats approximately 400 to 500 patients per month. Treatment comprises different clinical aspects of care – including pediatric, internal medicine, OBGYN, surgery (minor and major procedures), ENT, and Dental Care. Its OBGYN facilities offers integrated and safe care for mothers resulting in 30 to 40 newborn infants per month. Maternal and Child Health Care provided at PEF include: prenatal care, care during childbirth, postnatal care, immunization, family planning services, and patient education. In the event emergency obstetric care is needed, PEF provides safe surgical procedures such as Caesarian Sections.
Our small laboratory uses traditional techniques for diagnosing infectious diseases such as HIV, Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), and others, in addition to screening tests for Diabetes, Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure. PEF has also established a weekly clinic for screening Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Respiratory Disorders such as Asthma. In addition, the clinic also has the means to perform safe blood transfusions.
2. PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES
As a part of maternal and child health care PEF provides immunizations (according to the Extended Program of Immunization Schedule) to pregnant women and to newborn babies and infants.
In addition to those services, the clinic organizes health education sessions for mothers.
3. PROMOTIVE HEALTH ACTIVITIES
This strategy encompasses in this approach includes health education through the media. Once a week (Thursday’s) health professionals (doctors and nurses) from PEF and other departments use local community radio stations such as“Radio Sango Malamu” (RSM) and “Radio Tomisa” (RT) to address various health-related issues (Drug Abuse in Teenagers, alcohol abuse, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Family Planning and more.)
Dr. Kipasa’s name is familiar and is one of RSM Broadcasting Program’s well-known guests. He hosts the episode “Dites Nous Doctor” (Tell Us Doctor) which is broadcasted every Thursday night at 8:30 P.M.
One of the huge constraints of these popular and well-approved programs remains shortage of radio equipment (equipment currently used is obsolete) and supplies. In order to run this program, the clinic oftentimes has to contribute money in order to provide fuel or gasoline with which to run the very old radio generator.
4. STUDENTS’ EDUCATION AND TRAINING
PEF offers a large residency program, including practical training and development to medical students and to those from nursing schools around the Bandundu Province.
The program is enhanced by our partnership with foreign NGOs, such as the Association Suisse d’Aide a’ la Region de Bandundu (Association Entraid – ASAREB). Visiting doctors and nurses coming through this program assist PEF; not only by providing patient care, but also in training local physicians, nurses and students about the appropriate use of new medical treatment and up-to-date technology.
PEF’s challenge is to bring International Doctors, Medical Students, Nurses, and other health providers to our facility so they can have a place where they can get first-hand experience by working with experts in the area of Tropical Diseases.
5. PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (ON-SITE CHAPLAIN SERVICES)
In most developing countries such as DRC, cultural health attributions may seriously affect patients’ beliefs about disease, health practices and treatment outcomes. Likewise, patients’ psychology based on their cultural and religious beliefs can influence the healing process. To tackle and effectively address these probable constraints and issues, PEF provides spiritual and psychological support through chaplains from several church groups and denominations upon the request of our patients.
By acting in the capacity of psychologist, the chaplain plays a key role in assisting those patients in need of psychological support. In addition, the social workers are there to assist those patients in need of community and social services related issues. These services contribute enormously to the rapid recovery of our patients.
6. INTERNET CAFÉ AND LIBRARY
Lack of resources makes it very difficult for medical students and other health provides to get access to new and current medical information.
To enhance the capacities of our health professionals to obtain current and up-to-date knowledge in medicine, PEF has established a Health Science and Medical Library in addition to an Internet Café. The aim of PEF is to improve career skills of health care professionals by helping them have easy access to medical information. This initiative was developed six years ago due to computers donated to PEF by ASAREB.
7. SPORTIVE MEDICINE CLINIC
PEF remains of the few health care selected by the soccer local association to assess the physical conditions of the athletes before each tournament.
NON-MEDICAL SERVICES
MOSES PROJECT
Unwanted or unexpected pregnancies among adolescents and teenage females are one of the major health concerns in DRC. The outcome of these “unwanted” pregnancies for those young mothers who feel insecure is either to seek abortions in very risky conditions or to abandon the child after birth. A large number of people believe that unexpected pregnancies are considered to be a disgrace for the family and the best way to punish those who find themselves in such situations is by rejection. Therefore, to avoid the anger or being rejected by their parents, some young mothers prefer to abandon their babies by walking away from them.
To prevent this negative behavior among pregnant adolescents and teenagers, PEF has established a program aiming at supporting those abandoned children. Like the bible story of Moses, PEF intends to support not only abandoned children, but also orphans. Thus far, this project is funded by two young ladies from Switzerland and through the sponsorship of Association Entraid – ASAREB.
Today, funding from these young ladies is used to pay for scholarships of Moses project children studying at Magynette Elementary School. It also supports their clothing and shoes (uniforms). The rest of the money (in addition to local contributions from members of the project in Kikwit) is used to purchase food supplies once a week or by-weekly. Once again, thanks to the compassion of these young ladies, Association Entraid – ASAREB, and the local team for their efforts. However, the Moses Project is in need of additional support which will allow the project to provide and guarantee a solid education for these children.
Children supported by the Moses Project live with their host families. Many are related to these families through an uncle, an aunt or grandparents. Most of these families have their own children. However, one must bear in mind that the usual family size in DRC can range from 6 individuals or more, and in most cases women are the ones who suffer the most for the survival of their families.
To assist these families who are left by supporting these orphans, PEF through “Project Moses” provided free training (Sewing Classes and/or Cosmetology). Upon completion of either training program, each trainee/student is given an assortment of fabric (material) and equipment that can help raise/earn income with which to aid in caring for themselves and their children.
Sewing Room for Teenage Mothers
We provide skills training in sawing and cosmetology so they can learn a trade and use those skills to make an earning with which to provide for themselves and their children. Social activity made possible through donations by ASAREB.