The Central African Republic (CAR) faces significant health challenges. With an estimated population of 6.4 million in 2024, nearly half under the age of 14, the country grapples with widespread and extreme poverty (65.7% of the population in 2023) and ranks 188th out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index. Access to healthcare remains limited due to insufficient infrastructure, a shortage of qualified personnel, and difficulties in procuring medicines and equipment.
Maternal and child health indicators are particularly alarming: high fertility rates (6 children per woman), among the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, and inadequate coverage of prenatal consultations and births assisted by qualified staff. There is also a significant gap between healthcare supply and demand: 93% of midwives are based in urban areas, while 60% of the population lives in rural areas.
Adding to this complex picture is gender-based violence, worsened by ongoing conflict and instability.
Our Mission: Strengthening Local Capacities and Improving Access to Care
In response to this situation, our NGO has committed to improving the health of populations in the Ouham-Pendé prefecture through the project “Responding to the Health and Multi-Sectoral Needs of Populations Affected by the Humanitarian Crisis”, funded by ECHO.
Our work focuses on strengthening the skills of local healthcare personnel in obstetrics and gynecology, ensuring quality care for pregnant women and newborns.
Concrete Actions on the Ground
Our team, consisting of a doctor, a midwife, and a nurse, is deployed at Koui Hospital to support and train local staff and provide free consultations. We also work on rehabilitating infrastructure and supplying essential medicines and equipment. Four peripheral health centers (FOSA) benefit from our support in training, supervision, and equipment provision.
A recent mission assessed medicine and equipment availability, the adequacy of protocols, staff training needs, and data collection quality. An interactive training day was organized, focusing on basic life-saving practices.
Challenges Ahead, a Constant Commitment
Despite progress, challenges remain. The absence of an ultrasound machine in Koui and stockouts of essential medicines hinder the quality of care. Services for GBV survivors are available but require strengthened psychosocial support.
We are deeply inspired by the commitment and courage of our team and local staff, who work under difficult conditions. We remain determined to strengthen local capacities and improve access to quality healthcare for women and children in Ouham-Pendé.
This publication was co-funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Doctors with Africa CUAMM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU.
