On the Monday of St. Thomas the Apostle, April 24, 2017, we travelled to Congo, at the invitation of Mons. On April 24, 2014, we travelled to Congo on the invitation of the Bishop of Kinshasa, Bishop Nikephoros, and after the blessing of Mons. Theokletos, Metropolitan of Ierissos, together with our Elder Fr. We settled in the Theological School of the Metropolis. The writer, Akylina nun, a medical hematologist, together with Miss Stella Stefanis, a nurse, organized a medical clinic at the Theological School both for the students and for the parishioners of Agia Varvara, which is located next to the School, and for all the residents of the surrounding area. Our aim was to create a general practice with free primary health care. On 28 April the clinic was opened, which lasted for 18 days. From the very first days the great needs of the inhabitants of the region became apparent. More than 70 people were gathering outside the clinic every day for examinations, even from distant areas, which forced us to set up a receptionist’s office, in order to separate the urgent from the cold cases, which were distributed by appointment in the following days, and to enable the patients to be examined with care and attention. It was remarkable that whole families came to be examined and, in most cases, almost all family members were affected by a disease that required treatment.
We estimate that about 500 people were tested. We were examining patients regardless of religion. Most of them were Protestants and second in line were Catholics. Many fewer were orthodox and some patients belonged to sects. It is vitally important for the Diocese of Kinshasa to organize primary care. A Health Centre is already being built in the Mont Ngafula area, which will be ready in September and is in need of equipment and staffing. Shortly before the clinic closed, an event was organised to inform local residents about disease prevention and hygiene measures. The event was attended by over 300 people.
As we left, we felt that we were leaving behind a great task. To do what we can with the power of God to help organize a primary health care in the Holy Metropolis of Kinshasa, based on volunteerism, so that it can be offered free of charge to all residents regardless of religion and economic status. We therefore appeal for the voluntary contribution of doctors, mainly paediatricians and general practitioners, but also of any other speciality, and for the supply of medical supplies and equipment.
Aquilina nun
