Since independence from Belgium in 1960, Congo, like many countries in Africa has struggled to overcome poverty, years of conflict and extremely limited health and education infrastructure. With the first democratic elections having just taken place (30 July), there is optimism that key services will start being provided. However, as with most post conflict, or transitional countries it can take decades to recover from such a devastating history. The current infant mortality rate in Congo is estimated between 113/103 per 1,000 live births for males and females respectively. In rural areas this figure is always substantially higher, and in Kokolopori the rate has reached 127 per 1,000 live births. A recent Medicines sans frontier report has confirmed that infant mortality in this region far exceeds what is considered catastrophic. Only 3.7% of the population has access to generic medicines in the district and 46.7% access to clean and potable water.

Basic health care is among the most urgent needs for the people who share the bonobo habitat. In most cases, remote rainforest communities are sequestered far from any modern medical facility and have little to no access to any form of health care or even basic medicines.

BCI is developing the "Bonobo Clinic" program to address these needs throughout the bonobo habitat. The pilot project is being implemented with BCI partner, Vie Sauvage in Kokolopori, working with the villagers to build and equip a dispensary and a basic medical clinic to serve the population.

The closest clinic Kokolopori is approximately 110 kilometers (70 miles) away in the territorial town center at Djolu. Even if a sick person can make the difficult journey to Djolu on foot or bicycle (the only means of transport available to villagers), they may not receive adequate care, due to the fact that Doctors without Borders has just withdrawn from the area and the locally operated “hospital” is also ill equipped.

Kokolopori is comprised of a group of 25 villages (groupement) situated along a common road, with a population of approximately 19,000 people.

Progress to Date: Kokolopori villagers have already donated significant time and labor to begin constructing 5 buildings to house the clinic. Working with another Congolese partner, Jatukik Providence Foundation, we have procured a major donation of medical supplies from the Falls Church based organization Crosslink, which BCI has shipped to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with support from Conservation International. BCI has also received medicines from MAP International to aid the establishment of the clinic. This is a great start, however we need more financial and technical assistance to purchase medicine, equip and staff the facility.

Needs: The full plan for the clinic is currently being developed. Immediate short-term financial and technical support is needed as we develop a comprehensive program. The clinic will be established in stages. The most urgent needs are f to purchase basic medicines and supplies and pay the salaries of medical personnel.