Kindu nurses' strike halts health services
Health centres close and hospital visits drop as nurses strike in Kindu, Maniema province.
Nurses in Kindu, Maniema province, began a strike that has disrupted healthcare services. Several health centres have closed, and patient numbers at the Kindu General Reference Hospital have fallen significantly. This situation is causing distress for patients and their families, especially with a recent increase in suspected cholera cases in the province.
Activities are nearly stopped at many Kindu health facilities, with some remaining closed and many patients struggling to get basic care. The strike also affects childhood vaccination services, forcing some parents to travel long distances to get their children immunised. One mother reported travelling to the Ngondombou health centre because local centres had no vaccines.
The Kindu General Reference Hospital is seeing a sharp decline in patients, with only about 20 currently receiving care, a much lower number than usual. Medical teams are operating with reduced staff due to the strike.
Why it mattersPatients in Kindu are struggling to access essential healthcare, including vaccinations, due to a nurses' strike.