In the capital Kinshasa, MSF teams are treating COVID-19 patients in the St Joseph Hospital, one of the six hospitals identified by the Ministry of Health for COVID-19 patient care. From early May to early June, an average of 30 patients per day were being treated at the centre, with 20 per cent requiring oxygen therapy. We have trained medical staff on COVID-19 detection and prevention, and MSF’s team has developed a 40-bed isolation ward. At the Kabinda Hospital Centre in Kinshasa, where MSF supports HIV/AIDS patients, we have set up an isolation unit with 20 beds.
MSF mobile teams are also supporting 50 health structures in four health zones in Kinshasa to strengthen hygiene measures, train and equip staff with personal protective equipment, and carry out health promotion activities within the community.
In Masisi, North Kivu, MSF has set up an isolation circuit at the Nyabiondo Reference Health Centre and a 20-bed isolation unit at the Masisi General Reference Hospital. MSF is utilising community radio and health promoter teams to raise awareness of COVID-19 within communities and to help reduce transmission.
In Lubumbashi, MSF is supporting the Ministry of Health through the construction of a dedicated COVID-19 treatment centre, with 20-bed capacity.
In Goma, we have ended our support of the COVID-19 treatment centre in Munigi and handed all activities over to the Ministry of Health. The centre was previously used as an Ebola treatment centre by MSF teams.