IPASC
THE PAN-AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
INSTITUT PANAFRICAIN DE SANTE COMMUNAUTAIRE (IPASC)
PAST
The Institut Panafricain de Sante Communautaire (IPASC) was established in 1992 with the aim of improving the quality of care in Francophone Africa. Situated in the North East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), IPASC is an ecumenical foundation and benefits from the academic support and collaboration with the Liverpool School of tropical Medicine.
During its history, IPASC has developed from a two-member team conducting short courses, to a University College. The vision is to listen to the community and, using the local definition of health, understand their needs and priorities. IPASC serves the local community by giving them accessible quality health care both in prevention and treatment.
IPASC lost everything it had during a massacre at Nyankunde in 2002, which killed thousands of people. The damage was irreparable and the Institute evacuated 450 km north and started a new life in Aru, on the border with DR Congo, Uganda and Sudan. IPASC now has two main sites: Aru and Bunia.
PRESENT
Despite The difficult setting under which IPASC functions, it continues to carry out its activities among the vulnerable in rural areas, including people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), raped women, women living with fistula and the poor.
The Diploma Training is a four year course in Community Health and Community Midwifery. At the completion of training, successful students are awarded a State Diploma in Community Health, which entitles them to take charge of a health centre.
The University College holds a three-year degree in Community Health majoring in one area including Health Promotion, Management of Primary Health Care, Infant and Maternal Health Care and Community Based Rehabilitation. All degrees awarded by the college are endorsed by the State.
The operational programme was set up to give students the opportunity to work in the community. The main programmes include:
1. HIV/AIDS: Public awareness campaigns, counselling and therapeutic care for PLWHA, home visits and promoting the prevention of STDs.
2. Safe Motherhood: Promotion of maternal and reproductive health, prevention and fight against sexual violence and fistula, and refresher courses for health professionals.
3. Promotion of Primary Health Care: Promotion of safe water and fight against diarrhoeal diseases and malaria.
FUTURE
In order to continue with the relevant training of community health care workers and the development of their operational programmes, IPASC needs financial support and contributions from friends and supporters.
IPASC is a faith-based organisation that supports and is guided by Christian principals.
THE GENERAL SITUATION IN DRC
One of the poorest countries in Africa, the health status of the population has deteriorated since the war. Now more women die in childbirth than in any other country and 13% of infants die before they reach their first birthday. HIV is on the increase with an estimated 15% of those between 15-45 years being infected. There is no treatment for HIV available in the country but IPASC is able to take those living with HIV to Uganda for care.
The situation in the DRC is challenging, with the IPASC staff and students confronting many difficulties that have resulted from continued insecurity and war in the area.
Roads and civic infrastructure in DRC have been crippled. But despite all the difficulties, the Congolese have much to teach us about family values and their Christian faith.
