As a symbolic gesture, the French Ambassador to the Central African Republic handed over two wooden keys to the Rectors of the Damala and Galabadja communities. These keys were crafted by students of the Institut Lemonnier, a Salesian school in Caen, France, and personally delivered by Fr. Xavier de Verchère, a Salesian priest representing the “Fondation Don Bosco” in Paris, accompanied by Philippe Rolin and David Crepy, members of the project team.
The entire operation is managed by the Fondation Don Bosco in Paris and is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), which operates under the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE).
Addressing Poverty and Healthcare Needs
The 8th district of Bangui is one of the poorest areas in one of the poorest capitals on the African continent. Hospitals are often far away, and many pregnant women cannot reach medical facilities in time for childbirth, contributing to a high infant mortality rate.
While the buildings for the dispensaries were ready, they still needed proper medical equipment. Last week, a shipment of medical supplies arrived in Bangui from France, containing:
Medical beds Stretchers Wheelchairs Storage cabinets Examination tables Two neonatal incubators Various other medical instruments
In total, the shipment was valued at over €100,000.
All the equipment was financed by the Canadian NGO “Collaboration Santé Internationale” (CSI), an organization accredited by Canada’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) for the collection of humanitarian medical supplies. The medical equipment meets the World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
Additionally, Salesian Missions, the Salesian Mission Office in New Rochelle, USA, helped cover the shipping costs.
Successful Delivery and Future Impact
On Thursday, March 27, the shipment was finally unloaded in Damala, after clearing Central African Republic customs. The moment was met with great joy by:
Fr. Alain Miafouna, responsible for the Galabadja dispensary Fr. Serge Ondoua, responsible for the Damala dispensary
With these new resources, the Salesian health clinics in Bangui will be able to expand their services and provide better medical care to the most vulnerable populations in the region.
Source: Don Bosco Aujourd’hui
