In Zemio, ALIMA operates in a context marked by insecurity and population displacement. Since 2017, this region of the Central African Republic has experienced repeated clashes between armed groups and government forces.
The violence has forced several thousand residents to flee to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in the locality of Zapayi), whose border is located less than 5 kilometers from the town. Many families frequently move between villages and the town to escape the violence, in a climate of ongoing insecurity.
The most recent crisis, which erupted around 5 January 2026, drove over 2,000 people to seek refuge at Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church in Zemio, where they are living in extremely difficult humanitarian conditions.
“We are overwhelmed at the church following the arrival of over 2,000 people, far beyond our capacity. Women, children, and elderly people are living in extremely precarious conditions. The main challenge remains access to healthcare, as overcrowding increases the risk of disease.”
Father Gervais Service, parish priest
A fragile health system
In Zemio, the health system is one of the sectors most affected by the region’s crises. During the violence in January 2026, several health facilities were impacted, and some healthcare workers were targeted.
In this context, the secondary hospital remains the only referral facility in the Zemio sub-prefecture.
Healthcare needs are significant in this area, where access remains difficult. Despite the efforts of health authorities, the hospital regularly faces shortages of medicines, aging infrastructure, as well as a lack of staff and equipment.
“Accessing medical care in Zemio is a real challenge,” says Father Gervais Service, who has witnessed the health situation in this remote area of the far southeast of the Central African Republic.
ALIMA’s support to maintain access to care
In this context, ALIMA provides essential support to Zemio Hospital to strengthen its capacity to deliver healthcare.
“ALIMA has been our long-standing partner. Without its presence and support, the medical situation would already be catastrophic.”
Dr. Ngueredomba Bovil-Bera, director of Zemio Hospital
ALIMA’s support helps strengthen the hospital’s capacity and improve patient care. In terms of infrastructure, ALIMA has rehabilitated several buildings that were no longer suitable for providing care under propers conditions. The maternity ward and operating theater were both renovated thanks to this support.
The technical facilities of several departments has also been strengthened, particularly the operating theater, where a qualified team of surgeons and anesthesiologists provides emergency surgical care for the region.
In an unstable security environment, ALIMA’s presence allows the hospital to continue providing treatment to residents and responding to their health needs.
ALIMA also supports the hospital by deploying qualified staff to help fill critical gaps within the facility.
“Thanks to ALIMA’s support, we have a committed team of nurses, midwives, surgeons, and doctors. This support is especially important, as we are facing major staff shortages despite the authorities’ efforts.”
Dr. Ngueredomba Bovil-Bera
At Zemio Hospital, teams from the Ministry of Health and ALIMA jointly provides an average of 700 curative consultations each week.
ALIMA’s activities at Zemio Hospital, as well as the support provided to vulnerable populations, are funded by the Crisis and Support Center (CDCS).
