Mobile Clinics

“I was told that there was a group of sick people in the chapel, which is packed, with more than 300 people waiting for a miracle in their lives. I took the opportunity to preach about the illness: “When we are ill, the first thing we do is to go to the doctor”- I told them- “and then we put ourselves in God´s hands”. Thinking to myself I asked: “Which doctor? There is no doctor”.
                                                                                                                     Pastoral visit to Boganangone (Lobaye Prefecture-CAR)
                                                                                                                     Bishop JESÚS RUIZ MOLINA, Diocese of M’baïki, año 2022
​Large parts of the Central African Republic, especially rural areas, lack health care, not only because of the lack of health centres, but mainly because of the lack of health personnel (doctors, nurses, etc.). This is why one of the priorities of the Mama ti Fatima medical complex project is to bring health care to areas where it is lacking. Both in terms of on-site treatment and evacuation to the medical complex if necessary. For this purpose, mobile clinics are being formed with the following composition and deployment:

Reception of an ambulance for the medical complex Mama ti Fatima

Thanks to the help and collaboration of the NGOs MIVA (Austria) and Manos Unidas (Spain), on 21 October 2024 the medical complex received its first all-terrain ambulance for the transfer and care of patients.

Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga was present at the reception ceremony and blessed the medical staff and the ambulance so that they can provide their medical care in the safest and most efficient way possible. 

This ambulance will undoubtedly greatly enhance the capacity to transport and provide health care to populations far from urban centres.

SINGUILA! Thank you very much!

Receipt of a portable ultrasound scanner donated by the Slovak NGO “Dobrota pre Afriku”

Thanks to the donation of a portable ultrasound scanner by the NGO “Dobrota pre Afriku”, chaired by Mária Gáliková, the mobile clinics have greatly enhanced their diagnostic and healthcare capabilities. 
​
​SINGUILA! Thank you very much!

Reception of medical and camping equipment from Spain
for the mobile clinics

Thanks to the Spanish military contingent of the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA), it was possible to hand over medical equipment and supplies donated by Spain to the mobile clinics.
 27 October 2023
Medical equipment:
  • Equipment and apparatus for clinical diagnosis and assessment of health status.
  • Equipment for oral health care.
  • Expendable material for first aid treatment.
Camping equipment:
  • 2 metal frame tents (3x6 and 3x3) to be able to set up health care posts in populations without adequate infrastructure and/or isolated...
15 November 2024
Medical equipment:
  • Mobile dental unit and dental couch.
  • Equipment and apparatus for clinical diagnosis and health status assessment.
  • Laboratory equipment and material
  • Expendable material for first aid treatment.
Telecommunications material:
  • Equipment to improve internet access via satellite in the facilities of the medical complex.
20 December 2025
Medical equipment:
​Nursing consumables
We would like to thank our Spanish friends for their selfless donation.
     
And to the Spanish Armed Forces for their invaluable collaboration and support for the transport of the material from Spain to Bangui.

SINGUILA! Thank you very much!​

TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO ZOMÉA (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 28th TO 31st MAY 2026

As part of their humanitarian and social work, the Our Lady of Fátima Association for Development (ANDFD) and the Diocese of M’baïki organised, from 28 to 31 May 2026, their third mobile clinic of the year in Zoméa, a forest village some 30 km south of the town of Mbaïki (Lobaye Prefecture). The village is particularly well known for being home to an indigenous community of Pygmies from the Aka ethnic group. The mission was led by Dr Serge Arsène Makendji, assisted by nurse Xavier NDING-DA from the ANDFD and Sister Evelyne OKPALAYENKOA from the Diocese of M’baïki, under the supervision of Dr Cédric OUANEKPONE, head of the ANDFD’s health department.
In the days leading up to the mission, the team from the Diocese of M’baïki’s health commission organised awareness-raising and information sessions for the people of Zoméa and the surrounding areas regarding the launch of this mobile clinic, visiting village by village and camp by camp.
 
The healthcare staff were assigned to the various consultation booths according to the following specialisms: general medicine, paediatrics, gynaecology and obstetrics, general surgery and psychology. In addition, we set up a booth for rapid diagnostic tests and another for nursing care and pharmacy services.
 
During these two days of intense activity in Zoméa, 1,330 patients were seen and treated: 873 were adults and 457 were children. There were 839 women (63.1 per cent) and 491 men (36.9 per cent).
  • General medicine (36.8 per cent): 489 patients (106 men and 183 women): low back pain and sciatica, skin conditions, eye conditions, peripheral neuropathies, lung conditions, urinary tract infections, ear infections, gastritis and others.
  • Paediatrics (34.4 per cent): 457 patients (205 boys and 242 girls): gastroenteritis, malaria, malnutrition, epilepsy and sickle cell anaemia. It is worth noting that cases of congenital malformations were recorded: cleft lip and clubfoot.
  • Gynaecology and obstetrics (20.5 per cent): 272 patients were treated: upper genital tract infections, fibroids, ovarian cysts and malaria attacks during pregnancy. It is important to highlight the high number of pregnant women who attended obstetric ultrasound scans for the sole purpose of finding out the sex of the foetus, not to mention one case referred to Mbaiki District Hospital due to foetal distress, which resulted in a vaginal delivery.
  • Surgery (7.7%): 102 patients (69 men and 33 women): hernias, poorly managed and infected wounds, amongst others. Nineteen surgical procedures were performed.
  • Psychology (0.7%): 9 patients referred from various clinics received psychological care.
  • Additional tests: HIV screening, haemoglobin < 7 g/dl, TDR test for malaria, blood glucose > 3 g/l, hepatitis.
  • Emergency ward: Patients requiring immediate emergency care were also treated.
  • Pharmacy: The pharmacy reported a shortage of paediatric antibiotics, in particular amoxicillin and others.
Difficulties encountered
  • Access to secondary care: Difficulties in referring and transferring cases to the health centres in Mbaiki and Bangui, due to the population’s low purchasing power and the cost of transport and medical care.
  • Insufficient technical resources: Lack of a radiology service, a fully equipped laboratory and a blood bank.
  • Stock-outs and supply shortages: Lack of specialised medicines, insufficient analgesics and a stock-out of paediatric amoxicillin reported on day 2, which affects continuity of treatment.
  • Specialised human resources: Insufficient qualified staff to cover certain specialities: radiology, ophthalmology and others.
Recommendations
  • Pharmaceutical supply: Ensure a sufficient supply of medicines for medical and surgical specialities.
  • Strengthening technical capacity: Organise specialist missions in visceral and eye surgery to treat cases identified in the field. Advocate for the gradual provision of additional equipment to the Mbaiki district hospital.
  • Institutional collaboration and infrastructure: Raise awareness amongst the administrative and health authorities in the Lobaye region so that they mobilise resources for the district hospital, particularly for the management of emergencies and tuberculosis cases.
  • Information exchange: Send a copy of the activity report to the Mbaiki health district and to central government to inform them of the situation on the ground and to facilitate the planning of future interventions.
Conclusion
Despite the logistical and technical difficulties encountered, the positive impact on the target population—particularly women and children—must be highlighted. However, challenges remain. Without continuity of healthcare and regular medical care, the achievements of this mission will remain fragile. Preserving the health capital of this population is an essential prerequisite for the revival of its socio-economic and cultural activities.
This is also an opportunity to thank all the individuals and organisations that have contributed to the success of this mission. Special mention must be made of the Diocese of M’Baïki, through Monsignor Jesús Ruiz MOLINA, for his personal commitment and unwavering support. Congratulations to the team at the Zoméa Health Centre for their logistical organisation and professionalism, despite their limited resources.
​Singuila! Thank you very much!

​TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO BOLLEMBA (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 19th TO 22ND MARCH 2026

As part of its social and humanitarian initiatives, the health department team of the Notre Dame de Fátima Association for Development (ANDFD) ran a mobile clinic in Lobaye Prefecture, specifically in the village of BOLLEMBA, from 19 to 22 March 2026. The aim of the mission is to provide quality medical care to the populations of these localities, who face common health conditions that go untreated due to a lack of medical staff and healthcare resources (medicines, preventive and curative care, diagnostic tools). This mobile clinic is organised in collaboration with the Diocese of M’baïki, which also considers access to quality healthcare for all to be a pastoral priority.
This video contains images that may be disturbing to some viewers
The mission was led by CAMAYEN Junior Romaric as head of mission, assisted by BANGOA Vitalia and Dr Cédric OUANEKPONE, head of the ANDFD Health Centre. The mission took place over two consecutive days; the team comprised healthcare staff, including six (06) doctors, one (01) biologist, one (1) psychiatrist, one (1) psychologist and three (03) non-medical volunteers, as well as a photographer. The healthcare staff were distributed across the various consultation rooms according to the following specialities: general medicine, paediatrics, gynaecology and obstetrics, general surgery and dentistry. In addition, we had a room for rapid diagnostic tests and another for nursing care and pharmacy.

During these two days of intense activity in Bollemba, nine hundred and thirty-three (933) patients were seen and treated: 208 children (97 boys and 108 girls), 435 women, of whom 55 were pregnant, and 290 men:
  • 418 general medicine patients, of whom 148 were men and 270 women; the most common conditions were high blood pressure, uncomplicated malaria, skin conditions, neuropathy and urinary tract infections.
  • 205 paediatric patients, of whom 115 were girls and 90 were boys; the predominant conditions were uncomplicated malaria, enteritis, cases of malnutrition and other associated conditions.
  • 155 patients in gynaecology and obstetrics aged between 16 and 52; the predominant conditions were upper genital tract infections, malaria during pregnancy and uterine infections during pregnancy.
  • 121 patients in surgery: 92 men, 26 women and 3 children; the most common conditions were hernias, ulcers, hand infections (phlegmon and whitlow), lipomas, untreated fractures and osteoarthritis. Nineteen surgical procedures were performed, including wound debridement, debridement and dressing.
  • 102 patients in dentistry, of whom 48 were men and 34 women, with the following procedures: dental cleanings and root planing, dentinogenic treatments, spontaneous extractions, maxillary bone necrosis, tartar-related gingivitis, crown fractures, septal syndromes, dental malposition, and dental inversions.
  • Regarding supplementary tests, we have 20 cases of positive RDT for malaria, 5 cases of blood glucose > 3 g/l, 4 cases of HIV+, 4 cases of hepatitis B+ and 5 cases of TBG+, 3 positive pregnancy tests and 3 cases of haemoglobin <5 g/dl.
The mission enabled:
  • An immediate improvement in the health status of numerous patients, particularly from minority groups,
  • The early detection of cases of diabetes and high blood pressure, hepatitis B and HIV,
  • The identification of cases of neglected tropical diseases and their hotspots for public health intervention;
  • The identification of problems in the treatment of tuberculosis due to a lack of medication,
  • Greater awareness among the population regarding preventive measures;
  • A strengthening of trust between the community and healthcare workers;
Challenges encountered
Ø Difficulties with referrals and transport to health centres due to the population’s low income.
Ø Insufficient technical equipment; difficulty in treating tuberculosis patients and managing transfusion emergencies.
Ø Shortage of specialised medicines, insufficient painkillers and many others;
Ø Insufficient human resources to manage certain cases requiring specialist advice (radiology, ophthalmology, gynaecology-obstetrics, etc.)
Conclusion
It is worth noting that the Bollemba Mobile Clinic has enabled the provision of essential medical care and raised awareness among communities regarding hygiene practices and disease prevention. Despite the difficulties encountered, the positive impact on the target population must be highlighted.
However, there is still work to be done in this regard, particularly with regard to continuity of care and consistent medical support to ensure this population enjoys good health so that they can carry out their socio-economic and cultural activities. The Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement association is asking its members to join forces with it through various forms of support to help this population in need.
Singuila! Thank you very much!

TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO BELOU AND M'BAÏKI (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 19th TO 22nd FEBRUARY 2026

As part of its humanitarian work, the Notre Dame de Fátima Association for Development (ANDFD), in collaboration with the Diocese of M’baïki, carried out a mobile medical campaign in Lobaye Prefecture, specifically in the village of Belou and the town of Mbaïki, from 19 to 22 February 2026. The aim of the mission was to provide integrated and free healthcare to the AKA and Peul minority communities, to prisoners and to the local inhabitants of these areas, who face common yet neglected health conditions due to a lack of medical staff and treatment resources (medicines, diagnostic tools).
The mission took place over two consecutive days and was led by Dr Michael BAMBE (head of mission) and Dr Cédric OUANEKPONE, head of the ANDFD Health Centre. The healthcare staff were distributed across the various consultation rooms covering the following specialities: general medicine, paediatrics, gynaecology and obstetrics, general surgery, dentistry and ophthalmology. In addition, we had a booth for rapid diagnostic tests, another for nursing care, and a pharmacy.
 
In total, 1,104 patients were seen (190 children, 663 women and 251 men), who received treatment according to their conditions: 580 patients in general medicine, 190 in paediatrics, 127 in gynaecology, 65 in surgery, 44 in dentistry and 98 in ophthalmology. In addition, a visit was made to Mbaïki prison, where 71 inmates were examined and treated. A 9-year-old boy was transferred to Mbaïki District Hospital for a severe case of anaemic malaria.
 
The various common conditions recorded by speciality are as follows:
General medicine: high blood pressure, cases of scabies, several cases of common lumbar sciatica, malaria, pneumonia, peripheral neuropathies, acute gastritis, neglected tropical diseases (predominantly NCDs), intestinal parasitic infections, cases of erectile dysfunction and two cases of poorly controlled anaemia requiring a blood transfusion at the M’BAIKI District Hospital.
Gynaecology and obstetrics: several cases of suspected upper genital tract infection, urinary tract infection and malaria during pregnancy, pelvic masses and two cases of cervical prolapse.
Surgery: several surgical procedures were performed, including cases of inguinal and inguinoscrotal hernias and infected wounds.
Paediatrics: cases of malaria, acute respiratory infection and gastroenteritis complicated by dehydration.
Dentistry: dental abscesses, caries, periodontitis, mouth ulcers…
Ophthalmology: several cases of pterygium and cataracts requiring eye surgery, cases of presbyopia with prescription of spectacles, and cases of allergic and bacterial conjunctivitis.
 
Impact
  • An immediate improvement in the health status of numerous patients, particularly among minority groups (AKA and prisoners);
  • The early detection of cases of diabetes and high blood pressure;
  • The identification of cases of neglected tropical diseases and their hotspots for public health intervention;
  • The identification of problems in the treatment of tuberculosis due to a lack of medicines and the management of transfusion emergencies;
  • Greater public awareness of preventive measures;
  • Strengthened trust between the community and healthcare workers;
Challenges encountered
  • Difficulties in referring and transferring patients to health centres due to the population’s low income.
  • Inadequate technical infrastructure; difficulty in treating tuberculosis patients and managing transfusion emergencies.
  • Lack of specialised medicines, shortage of analgesics;
  • Insufficient human resources to manage certain cases requiring specialist advice (radiology, etc.)
Recommendations
  • Plan a campaign mission for visceral and eye surgery for the cases observed in the localities.
  • Raise awareness among the administrative authorities of the Lobaye region to support the district hospital by mobilising resources for emergency care and tuberculosis cases;
  • Send a copy of the activity report to the health district and central authorities so that they may familiarise themselves with some of the realities observed on the ground.
Conclusion
In summary, the Belou and M’Baïki Mobile Clinic has enabled the provision of essential medical care and raised awareness among communities regarding hygiene practices and disease prevention. Despite the difficulties encountered, the positive impact on the target population must be highlighted.
This is an opportunity to thank all those who have contributed in many ways to the successful completion of this mission. Special mention goes to the donors who contributed funds during the Mundo Negro award gala evening, to the Diocese of M’Baïki through Monsignor Jesús RUIZ MOLINA, and to the organisation ‘Dobrota pre Afriku’ for their support.
Singuila! Thank you very much!

MOBILE SURGICAL AND OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CLINIC IN BAGANDOU (LOBAYE PREFECTURE) FROM 20th TO 23th NOVEMBER 2025

As part of its charitable activities, the Association Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement (ANDFD) organised, in collaboration with the Diocese of M'baïki, its first mobile surgical clinic at the Comboni Missionaries' hospital in Bagandou, from 20 to 23 November 2025. This mission consisted of two main parts:

- Surgery,
- Ophthalmology.


​
The mission, led by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. YAFONDO Tiburce Anselme, was composed of 10 members: 2 surgeons, 1 ophthalmologist, 1 anaesthetist, 2 nurses, 1 ophthalmic assistant, 2 drivers and 1 photographer.
 
The hospital provided:
  • An ophthalmology consultation room,
  • A surgical consultation room,
  • A surgical block,
  • A medicine storage room,
  • Hospitalisation rooms for patients who had undergone surgery.
The overall results for the two days were:
  • Surgery: 17 consultations and 15 operations performed (hernias, drains, myositis, etc.).
  • Ophthalmology: 126 consultations (presbyopia, cataracts, pterygium, etc.), 45 pairs of glasses supplied, 2 treatments.
Difficulties encountered:
  • Only one ophthalmologist for a large influx of patients.
  • Insufficient surgical instruments in the hospital (trays and drapes). The team provided two surgical trays and five sterile drapes and gowns to help alleviate this difficulty.
Recommendations for future actions:
  • Reinforce the ophthalmology team.
  • Use single-use kits.
  • Purchase 5 surgical boxes.
  • Acquire a surgical microscope.
  • Maintain this activity for a period of at least one week.​
Conclusion:
  • The mission was a success, with 15 operations performed.
  • The results obtained in this first mobile surgical clinic demonstrate the association's capacity to carry out large-scale surgical activities.
Acknowledgements:
Our thanks go to the Diocese of M'baïki (in particular to Monsignor Jesús Ruiz Molina) and to the organisation ‘Debrota pre Afriku’ for their material and financial support, which has made it possible to run this mobile surgical clinic. To the entire team at the Catholic hospital in Bagandou, our sincere thanks for their warm welcome and perfect collaboration.
Singuila! Thank you very much!

TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO BOUKOKO AND M'BAÏKI (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 30th OCTOBER TO 02nd NOVEMBER 2025

The health department team of the Association Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement (ANDFD) carried out a medical mission in the city of M'BAÏKI and the village of BOUKOKO from 30 October to 2 November 2025, with the aim of providing quality medical care to the local population, who face common pathologies that are not treated due to a lack of medical staff and medicines.The mission also aimed to raise awareness, inform and educate the population about disease prevention and hygiene practices.
The mission was led by Dr Van Prosper DJANGO and Dr Cédric OUANEKPONE, head of the ANDFD Health Centre. The team consisted of 17 healthcare staff, including the film crew.

​In total, during these two days of activities in Boukoko and M'baïki, 989 patients were seen and treated: 384 in general medicine, 253 in paediatrics, 154 in gynaecology, 105 in surgery and 93 in dentistry. The different common pathologies recorded according to speciality were:
  • General medicine: high blood pressure, cases of lumbago, malaria, pneumonia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatosis, suspected cases of gastritis, neglected tropical diseases, intestinal parasitosis, cases of erectile dysfunction, several cases of eye disorders and one case of poorly tolerated anaemia requiring a transfusion at the M'BAÏKI HD.
  • Gynaecology-obstetrics: several suspected cases of upper genital infection, urinary tract infection due to malaria during pregnancy, pelvic masses, vulvovaginitis.
  • Surgery: several surgical procedures were performed, cases of inguinal and inguinal-scrotal hernia, infected wounds.
  • Paediatrics: cases of malaria, acute respiratory infection, gastroenteritis complicated by dehydration.
  • Dentistry: dental abscesses, caries, periodontitis, mouth ulcers, etc.​
Difficults encountered:
  • Although the medical mission was a success, it faced some challenges, namely:
  • Lack of materials, such as basins for preparing decontamination solutions, hand gel, and surgical kits.
  • Difficulties in referring patients and transferring them to health centres due to the low income of the population.
  • Insufficient technical platforms.
  • Insufficient human resources to deal with some cases requiring specialist advice (ophthalmology, radiology, etc.).
In summary, the Boukoko and M'baïki Mobile Clinic has made it possible to provide essential medical care and raise awareness among communities about hygiene and disease prevention practices. Despite the difficulties encountered, the positive impact on the target population is to be commended.
However, there is still work to be done in this regard, especially in terms of continuity of care and ongoing medical assistance to ensure that this population remains in good health to carry out their socio-economic and cultural activities. The team at the Pôle Santé de la Paroisse Notre Dame de Fatima is asking its partners to join forces through various forms of support to help this population in need.

​We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed in various ways to the successful development of this mission, in particular the Diocese of M'Baïki, through Monsignor Jesús Ruiz MOLINA.
Singuila! Thank you very much!

​TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO MBATA (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 29th MAY TO 01st JUNE 2025

The health department team of the Association Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement (ANDFD) carried out a medical mission in the municipality of MBATA (Lobaye Prefecture) from 29 May to 1 June 2025, to provide quality medical care to a population facing common diseases that are not treated due to a lack of medical personnel and medicines, as well as to raise awareness, inform and educate the local population about disease prevention and hygiene practices.
The mission was led by Dr. Prince YAMANDE, head of mission, and Dr. Cédric OUANEKPONE, head of the ANDFD health department. The team was made up of 16 healthcare professionals. 
This video contains images that may be disturbing to some viewers
These staff members were distributed across nine (09) specialist clinics in the following areas: general medicine, paediatrics, gynaecology-obstetrics, surgery and dentistry, with two teams responsible for the pharmacy and care.
In total, during these two days of activity, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1,671 patients were seen and treated: 602 in general medicine, 542 in paediatrics, 304 in gynaecology, 185 in surgery and 38 in dentistry.

The most common conditions by speciality were:
  • General medicine: high blood pressure, lumbosciatica, lumbago, malaria, pneumonia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatosis, suspected cases of gastritis and sickle cell anaemia, neglected tropical diseases, intestinal parasitosis, cases of erectile dysfunction and several cases of eye disorders.
  • Gynaecology and obstetrics: suspected upper genital infection, urinary tract infection and malaria in pregnancy, cystocele, rectocele, cervical prolapse, pelvic masses, vulvovaginitis.
  • Surgery: Inguinal and inguinoscrotal hernia, untreated closed fracture, infected wound, several cases of post-hernia fistula, and surgical interventions were performed.
  • Paediatrics: Acute respiratory infection, gastroenteritis, congenital cataracts, malnutrition.
  • Dentistry: dental caries, periodontitis, dental abscesses, mouth ulcers...
Difficulties encountered:
  • Insufficient medicines to meet high patient demand.
  • Difficulties in referring patients to health centres and transporting them there due to low income levels.
  • Inadequate technical infrastructure.
  • Insufficient human resources to deal with some cases requiring specialised advice (ophthalmology, radiology, etc.).
Recommendations:
  • Provide sufficient quantities of the following medicines to better meet patients' needs: Antibiotics (erythromycin suspension, Amoxiclav, gynaecological ovules), antimalarials (artemether + lumefantrine tablets, quinine tablets), analgesics and anti-inflammatories (paracetamol suspension, ibuprofen), neurological and psychotropic drugs (phenobarbital, Nucleo, strong CMP, pregabalin).
  • Purchase scales and an ultrasound machine for future missions
  • Plan a visceral surgery mission and ophthalmological consultations for the cases observed in Mbata.
Conclusion:
The MBATA Mobile Clinic has made it possible to provide essential medical care and raise awareness among communities about hygiene and disease prevention practices. However, much remains to be done, especially in terms of continuity of care and medical assistance, which guarantee this population good health to carry out their socio-economic and cultural activities. The ANDFD health department team is asking its partners to join it in providing various forms of assistance to this population in need.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed in various ways to the success of this mission, in particular Bishop Jesús Ruiz MOLINA of Diocese of M'Baïki.
​Singuila! Thank you very much!

TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO LESSE (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 13th TO 16th FEBRUARY 2025

From Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 February 2025, the technical team from the health department of the Association Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement (ANDFD) carried out its 6th medical mission in the prefecture of Lobaye, specifically in the municipality of Lesse.
Led by Sergius Paulus BANDOUKA, head of mission, and Dr. Cédric OUANEKPONE, nephrologist and head of the ANDFD health department, this mission aims not only to provide medical consultations and treatment, but also to raise awareness and educate the local population about disease prevention and hygiene practices. 
Comprising 12 people, this mission is made up of healthcare and non-healthcare personnel, including the film crew and other volunteers from the Health Centre.
First day: Friday 14 February 2025. The healthcare staff was divided into five groups, four of which were consultation teams in the following specialities: general medicine and paediatrics, gynaecology-obstetrics, surgery and dentistry, and a team in charge of the pharmacy. In addition to the healthcare team, there is a film crew. A total of 411 patients were seen: 262 general medicine and paediatric patients, 72 gynaecological patients, 17 dental patients and 60 surgical patients. 161 men, 211 women and 39 children.

Second day: Saturday, 15 February 2025. A total of 604 patients were treated: 477 in general medicine and paediatrics, 79 in gynaecology, 26 in surgery and 22 in dentistry. 232 were men, 312 women and 60 children.

The most common diseases were:
  • General medicine and paediatrics: eye disorders, ocular hypertension, erectile dysfunction, lumbosciatica, malaria, pneumonia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatosis, acute gastric lesions, intestinal parasitosis
  • Gynaecology-obstetrics: genital infection, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, evolving pregnancies
  • Surgery: inguinal or inguinoscrotal hernia, neglected closed fracture, surgical site infection, infected wound, haemorrhoidal disease
  • Dentistry: gingivitis, tartar, apical periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis.
Impact:
The mission had a significant impact on the health and well-being of the population, with 1,015 patients treated, exceeding the target of 1,000. The mission improved access to healthcare. Patients were able to benefit from essential medical consultations and treatment. Health knowledge was reinforced through awareness-raising sessions that contributed to improving hygiene and disease prevention practices. Ultrasound was a necessary tool for the diagnosis of gynaecological and obstetric pathologies.

Difficulties:
  • Insufficient medicines to meet the high demand from patients.
  • Difficulties in referring and transporting patients to health centres due to the low income of the population.
  • Limited availability of appropriate technical platforms and lack of certain specialisations among the team (ophthalmology, etc.).
Recommendations:
  • Provide the following medicines to better meet patients' needs: antibiotics, antiparasitics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories, for growth disorders and deficiencies, for erectile dysfunction, neurological and psychotropic drugs, for the treatment of hypotension, hygiene products: oral hygiene kits.
  • Purchase scales and an ultrasound machine for future missions.
  • Plan an ophthalmological mission in Lesse to improve care for the ophthalmological cases observed.
Conclusion: The challenge remains enormous in this locality and throughout the diocese of M'Baïki, where the population needs continuous medical assistance to carry out its socio-economic and cultural activities for its development.
The team at the Health Department of the Our Lady of Fatima Association for Development is asking its partners to join it in providing various types of aid to assist this population in need.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed in various ways to the smooth running of this mission, in particular the diocese of M'Baïki through Monsignor Jesùs Ruiz MOLINA.
Singuila! Thank you very much!

TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO BODA (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 17th TO 20th MAY 2024

From Friday 17 to Sunday 20 May 2024, the health team of the Association Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement (ANDFD) carried out its 5th medical mission in the prefecture of LOBAYE, specifically in the villages of BODA and BOYO, in the diocese of M'BAÏKI, about 200 km from the capital, Bangui. This medical mission is a response to a call from Mgr Jesús Ruiz MOLINA, Bishop of M'BAÏKI, given the precarious living conditions of the local population in general, and of the AKA and PEUL minorities in particular, in terms of access to quality health care.
Led by Dr. Augustin Rostand VOYEMADE, the mission was composed of 12 people, including 9 doctors covering various medical and surgical specialities (general practitioners, neurologist, traumatologist, gynaecologist, dentist, senior laboratory technician, etc.) and a media team. The diocese of M'baïki, through its health commission, also played an important role by providing nurses, volunteers, equipment, medicines and food.

First day of activities: The medical staff was divided into six cubicles, five of which were used for consultations in the following specialities: Internal Medicine (Neurology, Nephrology, etc.), Gynaecology-Obstetrics, Traumatology, Odontology and the Medicine Dispensary, as well as the Laboratory. In addition to the team of medical staff, there was a section in charge of welcoming patients, distributing consultation vouchers and referring patients. On this first day, 212 patients were examined and treated.

​Second day of activities: 261 patients were examined and treated according to their pathologies. The overall total for the two days was 473 patients.

The particularity of this mission is that there were many specialised consultations: cases that would never have found a solution on the spot (see photos). In fact, the medical clinic team, which is being reinforced in terms of material and equipment, tries to focus more on difficult clinical cases (small delicate surgical interventions, in-depth dental care, etc.). Cases that cannot be treated by the team are prepared and evacuated to Bangui, where the team continues to follow them up. To date, a dozen patients identified during the mobile clinics have already been evacuated and treated in their entirety in Bangui and Boda, depending on availability. These include cases of congenital cataracts, vesico-vaginal fistula, gangrene of the limbs, etc. Another aspect to be emphasised is the exchange of experiences and the strengthening of the capacities of health personnel in the host sites to ensure continuity of care and better follow-up.

Constraints and suggestions:
  • Weaknesses in the logistical chain: one of the mission vehicles (an ambulance) suffered a technical breakdown requiring repairs, which caused the mission to be delayed.
  • Insufficient supply of essential medicines: given the enthusiasm of the population and, above all, the pressing need for health care, the medicines and kits supplied were insufficient to treat everyone, although the quantity of medicines supplied increased per mobile clinic.
  • Insufficient equipment, consultants and medicines in certain medical and surgical specialties (ophthalmology).
  • Difficulty in transferring to Bangui certain cases requiring stabilisation in a specialised centre (urogenital fistula, decompensated diabetes, etc.);

In view of these constraints, we make the following suggestions:
  • Strengthen logistical chains: provide new ambulances or rent vehicles able to travel difficult roads.
  • Provide more essential drugs wherever possible;
  • Schedule additional specific medical missions in specialties such as ophthalmology (where many cases have been discovered), general surgery (hernia), etc.
  • Plan the transfer to Bangui of certain cases requiring stabilisation in a specialised centre;
  • Organise and set up a distribution chain of drugs to treat epilepsy and yaws, in order to contain these diseases, which are endemic in the area.
  • Conduct a study on the most common pathologies in this locality to raise awareness and improve prevention.​
Acknowledgements;
  • Mgr Jesús RUIZ MOLINA, Bishop of M'baïki, for his personal involvement and his many forms of support to make this mission a success;
  • Sisters Evelyne de BODA, Laeticia de M'baïki and the entire team of the Health Commission of the Diocese of M'baïki for their invaluable logistical support for this mission.
  • To the doctors of the district and the BODA hospital and their staff for their collaboration and for sharing their expertise.
  • To the Canadian Foundation for the donation of medicines to the diocese of Mbaïki, which made it possible to treat many people without resources.
  • To all the people of goodwill who supported this mobile medical mission from near and far. 
In short, the challenge remains enormous in these areas in terms of access to quality health care, as the community needs continuous medical assistance. However, this challenge is not insurmountable as long as there is will, determination and God's grace. For the time being, these medical missions are essential.
​ Singuila! Thank you very much!

TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO BOTORO, GRIMA, ZOUNDODE AND TOKODE (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 21st TO 24th MARCH 2024

From 21 to 24 March 2024, the health team of the Association Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement (ANDFD) carried out its 4th mobile medical mission in the prefecture of LOBAYE, specifically in the villages of BOTORO, GRIMRA, TOKODE and ZOUNDODE, located in the diocese of M'BAÏKI, about 260 km from the city of Bangui. This medical mission responds to the call of Mgr Jesús Ruiz MOLINA, Bishop of M'BAÏKI, who noted the precarious living conditions of the population of these villages, particularly the AKA and PEULS minorities, in terms of access to primary health care.
Led by Dr. Cédric OUANEKPONE, nephrologist and head of the ANDFD health unit, the mission comprised 11 people, including 9 doctors and medical staff from various medical and surgical specialties. Local health personnel from BODA and NGOTTO were also on hand to exchange experiences and training.
​
Health care was provided in the following specialities: Internal Medicine (Neurology, Nephrology, etc.), Gynaecology, Traumatology, Dentistry. A Medicines Dispensary and Laboratory were also activated. Alongside the team of health personnel, there was a team in charge of receiving patients, distributing consultation vouchers and referring patients. The total number of people seen in the different specialities over the two days was 909:
  • 1st day of activities: Thursday 21 March 2024. BOTORO Health Post. Patients attended: 347.
  • 2nd day of activities: Saturday 23 March 2024. Grima, Zoundode and Tokode villages. Patients attended: 552
Highlights:
  • There were many specialised consultations, cases that would never have found a solution locally. There were 10 debridements, one sequestromy, one disarticulation and three evacuations: 2 patients were operated on at Boda District Hospital under general anaesthesia by members of the mobile medical team and one case of urogenital fistula was evacuated to Bangui to be treated by the Nengo project at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de l'Amitié Sino-Centrafrique.
  • The commitment of all the team members to the various activities and their ability to adapt to the different locations chosen.
  • The open collaboration with the medical team of the different consultation sites.
  • The multifaceted support of the parish priest and the sisters of Ngotto, Boda and M'baiki, under the impulse of the Bishop of M'baikï.
Constraints:
  • Weaknesses in logistical chains: need for an additional means of transport for a generator to use dental equipment and to transport tents to ensure optimal working conditions.
  • Insufficient supply of essential medicines: given the enthusiasm of the population and, above all, the pressing need for health care, the medicines and kits supplied, despite their large quantity, were insufficient to treat everyone.
  • Lack of a distribution chain for medicines to treat epilepsy and yaws in order to contain these diseases, which are endemic in the area.
  • Lack of a study on the most common pathologies in the area to raise awareness and prevent them.
Suggestions:
  • Strengthen logistical chains: procure new ambulances or rent vehicles that can cover difficult roads, purchase a generator.
  • Increase the supply of essential medicines.
  • Schedule additional specific medical missions in specialties such as ophthalmology (where many cases have been discovered), general surgery (hernia), etc.
  • Consider the possibility of transferring some cases requiring stabilisation in a specialised centre to Bangui for follow-up.
  • Organise and set up an effective chain of distribution of drugs to treat epilepsy and yaws, in order to contain these diseases, which are endemic in the area.​
  • Conduct a study on the most common diseases in the area, in order to raise awareness and improve prevention.

In summary, there is still a huge challenge in these areas in terms of access to quality health care, as the community needs continuous medical assistance. However, this challenge is not impossible as long as there is will, determination and God's grace.
Singuila! Thank you very much!

​​TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO BOGANDA (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 15th TO 18th FEBRUARY 2024

From Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 February 2024, the health team of the Association Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement (ANDFD) carried out a 3rd mobile medical mission in the prefecture of LOBAYE, specifically in the sub-prefecture of BOGANDA, located in the diocese of M'BAÏKI, some 247 km from the city of Bangui. This medical mission is in response to a call from Mgr Jesús Ruiz MOLINA, Bishop of M'BAÏKI, who noted the precariousness of the lives of the AKA population in particular, and of the population of this locality in general, in terms of access to quality health care.  
​Led by Dr. Cédric OUANEKPONE (nephrologist), the team was made up of 11 people, including 8 health personnel: doctors from different medical and surgical specialties (general practitioners, neurologists, traumatologists, dentists), nurses and senior laboratory technicians, etc. The rest of the staff were responsible for receiving and referring patients, as well as making a graphic report of the actions carried out.

On 16 February 2024, the healthcare staff was distributed into five units, four of which are for consultations in the following specialities: internal medicine (neurology, nephrology, etc.), gynaecology, traumatology, dentistry. And a fifth one for dispensary and medicine laboratory. On this first day 327 patients were examined 327.

On Saturday 17 February 2024, 334 patients were seen. The overall balance of the two days was 661 people attended and 115 laboratory tests were carried out. The particularity of this mission is that there were many specialised consultations: cases that would never have found a solution locally.

Constraints encountered:
  • Weaknesses in the logistical chain: one of the mission's vehicles (an ambulance) suffered a technical breakdown very early on, forcing it to be replaced, which caused the mission to be delayed.
  • Insufficient supply of essential medicines: given the enthusiasm of the population and, above all, the pressing need for health care, the medicines and kits provided were insufficient to treat everyone.
  • Insufficient equipment, consultants and drugs in certain medical and surgical specialties.
  • Difficulty in transferring to Bangui certain cases requiring stabilisation in a specialised centre (urogenital fistula, decompensated diabetes, etc.);
  • Lack of a distribution chain for medicines to treat, among others, epilepsy, yaws and other diseases endemic in the area.
  • Absence of a study of the most common diseases in the area to raise awareness and prevent them among the local population.
Given these constraints, it would be necessary to:
  • Strengthen logistical chains: provide new ambulances or hire vehicles able to travel difficult roads.
  • Make essential medicines available in sufficient quantities whenever possible;
  • Schedule additional specific medical missions in specialties such as ophthalmology (where many cases have been discovered), general surgery (hernia), etc;
  • Plan for the transfer to Bangui of certain cases requiring stabilisation in a specialised centre;
  • Organise and set up a distribution chain for drugs to treat epilepsy and yaws, in order to contain these diseases, which are endemic in the area;
  • Conduct a study on the most frequent pathologies in this locality in order to raise awareness and improve prevention.

​In short, the challenge remains enormous in this locality in terms of access to quality health care, as the community needs continuous medical assistance. However, this challenge is not insurmountable as long as there is will, determination and God's grace.

Finally, to express our sincere thanks to:
  • Mgr Jesús RUIZ MOLINA, Bishop of M'baïki, for his personal involvement and his many forms of support, which have enabled us to carry out this mission in the best possible conditions.
  • Reverend Sister Evelyne de BODA and all her team for their invaluable logistical support for this mission.
  • The medical staff of the Boganda health centre for their collaboration and for sharing their expertise.
  • The Canadian Foundation for its donation of medicines, which made it possible to treat many poor people during this mobile medical clinic.
  • To all the people of goodwill who supported this mobile medical mission from near and far
     Singuila! Thank you very much!

TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO BATALIMO AND MONGOUMBA (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 25th TO 28th OF MAY 2023

From 25 to 28 May 2023, the medical team of the Association Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement (ANDFD) carried out its 2nd mobile health mission as part of its partnership with the Diocese of M'baïki. Led by ANDFD Vice-President Emmanuel PAKALE and doctors Cédric OUANEKPONE and Siméon MATOULOU MBALLA, the mission was made up of health personnel (Specialist and General Practitioners, Dentists, Senior Laboratory Technicians) and non-health personnel (Cinematography team and other volunteers from the Health Unit). The localities visited were BATALIMO and MONGOUMBA, both in the prefecture of LOBAYE.
The mission was entirely dedicated to the AKA minority, an indigenous population of the Central African Republic, who live in extremely precarious forest camps with very limited access to quality health care, according to the observations made by Mgr Jesús RUIZ MOLINA, Bishop of M'Baïki, during his pastoral visit to this population. This is why, prior to the health mission, a team of volunteers carried out awareness-raising work among this population by offering them the possibility of receiving medical care in the towns of BATALIMO and MONGOUMBA.
 
On 26 May, the mobile medical team moved to BATILIMO, divided into five boxes, including four consultation points (General Medicine, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Dentistry) and a point for the distribution of medicines and the laboratory. In addition to the medical team, a section of volunteers was in charge of welcoming patients, distributing consultation vouchers, orienting patients and providing film coverage of the mission. On this first day, 281 patients were consulted, examined and treated according to their pathologies, including 185 general medicine cases, 47 gynaecology cases and 49 dental cases.

On 27 May, the medical team went to MOUNGOUMBA, where 544 patients were treated, including 336 for general medicine, 85 for gynaecology and 123 for dentistry. These consultations and treatments took place in the "Da Ti Ndoyé" house provided by the parish of Saint Georges de Mongoumba.

The total number of people seen and treated over the two days was 825, with 521 medical cases (63%), 132 gynaecology cases (16%) and 172 dental cases (21%). In addition to the registered cases, some 100 people were systematically screened with Albendazole.

​The main difficulties encountered in this health action have been:
  • Shortage of essential medicines;
  • Insufficient estimation of the target population due to the fact that they live in camps;
  • Lack of certain specialities, such as ophthalmology, where many cases have been identified.
And as lessons learned:
  • Make essential medicines available in quality and quantity;
  • Improve target population estimation tools;
  • Further diversify the medical and surgical specialties that make up the mission team on the basis of a thorough assessment of existing pathologies in the target locality;
  • Provide an additional ambulance equipped to go to camps and hard-to-reach places;
  • Promote horticulture and diversify the socio-economic activities of the population to ensure sustainable access to quality health care.
In conclusion, the challenge remains enormous in this locality, especially in the diocese of M'BAÏKI, where the community needs continuous medical assistance and food aid for the most destitute, as cases of malnutrition have been observed that require multifaceted care.
​Finally, we would like to thank you to:
  • Mgr Jesùs RUIZ MOLINA, Bishop of M'baïki.
  • Community of the Comboni Missionaries of MONGOUMBA.
  • Parish of Saint Georges of MONGOUMBA.
  • The Comboni Lay Missionaries of MONGOUMBA.
  • Christian Community of MONGOUMBA and BATALIMO.
  • All the people of good will who have contributed to the success of this mission.
​Singuila! Thank you very much!

​​TRANSFER OF A MOBILE CLINIC TO BODA (PREFECTURE OF LOBAYE) FROM 23rd TO 26th MARCH 2023

From 23 to 26 March 2023, a mobile medical team of the Association Notre Dame de Fatima pour le Développement (ANDFD), led by Dr Cédric OUANEKPONE and composed of 12 people including health personnel (specialist and general practitioners, dentists and laboratory technicians) and non-health personnel (support staff and volunteers), travelled to the village of Boda (Lobaye Prefecture), also known as "Boda la Belle" and with a population of about 11,600 inhabitants.

​This health mission was in response to a call from Mgr Jesús RUIZ MOLINA, Bishop  
​of the Diocese of M'baïki, who, aware of the very precarious situation of the Peulh population living in an isolated displaced site in the district of Ali (north exit of Boda), asked for our help in providing health care to this population.

The overall result of the two days, with the invaluable support of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartre and the Comboni Missionaries of the parish of Saint Michel in Boda, was a total of 948 people attended to: 240 paediatric cases, 337 general medicine cases, 54 gynaecology cases and 317 dental cases. In addition, many cases requiring ophthalmological care were observed.
​
On their return to Bangui, the team met Mgr Jesús RUIZ MOLINA to share with him the results of the mission and to express their gratitude for this appeal to help a population in difficulty, and for the support and accompaniment of his diocese in the smooth running of this mission.
 
The main difficulties encountered in this health action have been:
  • The unavailability of ambulances. Having equipped and medicalised ambulances is key to bringing health care to isolated areas, as well as for the treatment and/or evacuation of the most serious patients.
  • Insufficient supply of certain essential medicines. The need for larger stocks of medicines with extended expiry dates.
  • Logistical constraints (lack of consultation boxes). It is necessary to acquire tents and/or sanitary tents, as well as consultation booths that allow for personalised attention to patients.
  • Limited means and adequate technical resources and lack of certain specialities in the medical team, especially ophthalmology.
To sum up, all the staff of the mobile medical team are pleased to have been able to attend to so many people in such a disadvantaged situation. However, the important shortcomings mentioned above oblige us to continue working to solve them, for which we will be very grateful for the support and help of all those people and entities that want to join us in this effort to bring health care to those who lack it. Singuila! Thank you very much!