In Ituri, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, thousands of displaced families are fleeing violence and seeking refuge in Boga. Between malnutrition, insecurity, and psychological trauma, ALIMA and its partners are providing these families with care, support, and hope.
Boga, a health zone rising from fear
Located 120 km from Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, the Boga health zone has become a refuge for many families displaced by clashes between armed groups. For a long time, its outskirts have been a symbol of fear: repeated attacks have caused the death of hundreds of people since 2021.
The surviving population has gathered in the center of this health zone, searching for safety. Among them is Hanaku Anastasia, a mother of six, who fled a pygmy camp a day’s walk away. Her children are now suffering from malnutrition due to a lack of access to adequate food.
“Back in our camp, my husband would go hunting and fishing every morning. My children were well fed and not malnourished. We, the women, also worked in the Bantu fields and earned money, which allowed us to buy extra food.”
But insecurity now prevents any cultivation around Boga.
A care structure reborn
The Bikima Health Center, located in the Boga health zone, is now supported by ALIMA.
“We receive a lot of malnourished children, and with ALIMA’s help, we can provide them with food supplements and proper treatment. Before ALIMA arrived, our center was doomed to disappear: we had no more resources. Our patients, mostly displaced people, had no money to pay for care. Even the local population could no longer cultivate their land because of the insecurity. ”
David Mugeni, a registered nurse
For Anastasia and other families, free medical care is a vital hope:
This difficult situation will continue to affect our children’s health, but we are fortunate to have free care.”
Joy and sadness in motherhood
At the Boga General Referral Hospital, displaced women are also receiving free care. Patience Mbambu, a young mother, has just given birth to her second child.
“I am happy to have given birth to my baby,” she says.
But her journey remains marked by violence: she fled her cocoa field and crops after an attack.
“It was our only source of income. Today, we live as destitute, deprived of our land.”
The invisible wounds of the conflict
Armed attacks not only leave material ruins: they also break spirits.
Emmanuel Thuwambe, a psychologist with ALIMA in Boga, sees around a dozen patients daily. “These are often extremely traumatic stories,” he explains.
He mentions in particular a woman whose husband and five children were killed in a single attack, escaping only with two of her children.
“We do our best to provide psychological support, but healing takes time. These traumas require long-term support.”
Thanks to the support of the Crisis and Support Center, ALIMA teams offer much more than medical care: psychological support, a listening ear, and the opportunity to rebuild a life after the conflict.
In Boga, despite fear and loss, hope is being restored.
Photo cover: © ALIMA
