In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the figures are alarming … 42% of AIDS patients admitted to Lubumbashi Provincial Hospital die due to lack of money for treatment. These statistics were presented during Scientific Days, organized jointly by the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Lubumbashi and the Technical University of M’siri. They ended on Saturday, August 21, in the town of Bunkeya, 192 km from Lubumbashi.
as reported from Lubumbashi, Denise maheho
This mortality rate is considered high by the doctor in charge of HIV services at this provincial hospital in Lubumbashi, as UNAIDS has set itself the goal of reducing global deaths by more than half. HIV / AIDS and eliminate this virus by 2030.
The problem of healthcare costs In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, AIDS patients receive only antiretroviral (ARV) free of charge. For other infections, they have to bear the cost of care themselves, but most of them can not due to lack of money, and in addition, there is no health insurance.
This is the case with 23-year-old Jessica, whom she met in Lubumbashi a few days ago. She suffers from AIDS and has to seek treatment after an appendix operation that failed: “Two weeks after the operation, the wound reopened. After that, part of the intestine ended up outside. I need a bandage for the bandage and some medical powder. I do not have the money to buy it. “, A situation that leads some patients to death.
Do not forget to care for the sick According to Dr Damas Ngoy Kyulu, doctor responsible for the AIDS service at Sendwe Hospital in Lubumbashi, of the 63 patients who were admitted to this medical structure in 2019, more than half died: “We appeal for introduction in the healthcare system for the free treatment of opportunistic infections for PLWHA. As soon as the patients come to the hospital, we have medicines, we have interventions, we take care of them for free. At that time, we can reduce mortality. “
The participants in the scientific days in Bunkeya pray that during this period of Covid-19 the care of HIV / AIDS patients should not be forgotten.
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