The Congolese refugee camp of Musasa in the province of Ngozi in northern Burundi has a new maternity building. Congolese refugees, like other inhabitants of the Musasa area, say they are very happy with this new building, which they describe as a symbol of hope for women giving birth. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The new maternity ward replaces the old dilapidated structure that had only 5 beds. The new building now offers 12 beds, a delivery room, a postpartum care room and a prenatal consultation room.

It is also equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, such as a fetal monitor, a delivery table and incubators for premature newborns.

« The old maternity ward, often described as precarious, offered unsafe conditions for childbirth. Women, faced with a lack of equipment and space, faced high risks. Today, thanks to this new building, they can benefit from a much more suitable environment, » said a nurse who has worked in the camp for several years.

She added that the twelve beds can accommodate a greater number of patients, thus reducing waiting times and improving medical monitoring.

New equipment reserved for the maternity ward of the Musasa health center (SOS Médias Burundi)

A young mother contacted who recently gave birth in the new maternity ward expressed her relief: « I would never have imagined having access to such good care here. Before, I was afraid of giving birth in such difficult conditions. Now, I feel safe. »

This maternity ward is not limited to Congolese refugees. Women from the host community also benefit from the improved care. Prenatal consultations are now accessible to all, strengthening the links between refugees and local residents, according to an administrative source.

This helps create an atmosphere of solidarity and mutual aid in the Musasa area in Kiremba commune, Ngozi province in northern Burundi.

HealthNet TPO, the organization in charge of health in the camp, is grateful to Prodeci (Integrated Community Development Project in Burundi)-Turikumwe, funded by the World Bank for the realization of this project.

« Thanks to their funding, we were able to transform our vision into reality. This new building is a symbol of hope for all women who come here to give birth, » said one of the leaders of this organization.

According to a local authority of the host community, « the new building is a success for all. It is a symbol of solidarity and cooperation between the refugee community and the host community. »