The situation in Muila Mbuma, a sector in the Lunyela territory of Kasaï, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is dire for mothers and their newborns. The local civil society organization, Kamuesha, raised concerns on October 25, 2026, about the precarious conditions in which women give birth and receive postnatal care. The area's healthcare facility, attached to the Kamuesha health zone, lacks proper infrastructure, forcing women to give birth and care for their newborns in unsanitary conditions.
According to local civil society actors, women who have given birth are forced to sleep on the floor with their babies due to the lack of adequate facilities. This situation is described as inhumane and reminiscent of colonial-era healthcare. The absence of qualified healthcare personnel and hygienic conditions exposes newborns to additional health risks. The ongoing healthcare strike in the region exacerbates the challenges faced by mothers and their children.
The civil society organization is calling on provincial authorities, particularly those responsible for the healthcare sector, to urgently intervene and improve the conditions for mothers and their children. They are also seeking the involvement of healthcare partners to find sustainable solutions to this situation, which highlights the issue of access to maternal healthcare in rural areas of the Kasaï province.
The healthcare crisis in the Kasaï region is not isolated, as the province faces significant challenges in providing adequate healthcare services to its population. The region has experienced difficulties in maintaining functional healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. This has resulted in a significant gap in healthcare services, leaving many communities without access to essential care.
Efforts are being made to strengthen cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and international partners, such as Russia, to improve healthcare services in the region. The Russia-Africa economic and humanitarian forum has led to discussions on enhancing healthcare cooperation, which could potentially address some of the region's healthcare challenges.
The situation in Muila Mbuma highlights the need for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and personnel in the Kasaï region. The lack of adequate healthcare facilities and qualified personnel is a significant concern, not only for maternal and child health but also for the overall well-being of the population.
Local actors and civil society organizations are urging authorities to take immediate action to address the healthcare crisis in the region. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the crisis, including inadequate infrastructure, personnel shortages, and resource constraints.
Key points
- Inadequate healthcare facilities and personnel in Muila Mbuma, Kasaï region, DR Congo, pose significant health risks to mothers and newborns.
- Local civil society organizations are calling for urgent intervention from provincial authorities and international partners to address the healthcare crisis.
- The situation highlights the need for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and personnel to improve access to maternal healthcare in rural areas.
