Lukunga, isolated and vulnerable.
Why our support is so necessary.
Geographical situation
Lukunga, a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is located about 550 km southeast of Kinshasa and 15 km from Gungu, the capital of the territory of the same name, in the Kwilu district, Bandundu province. This region, which represents a quarter of the surface area of Belgium, is crossed by the Kwilu River, which originates in Angola and flows into the Kwango near Bandundu. Lukunga lies on the right bank of the river, while Gungu, the nearest town, is located on the left bank.
Socio-economic situation
Gungu is a very poor and landlocked region, characterised by vast savannahs and a predominantly rural population that depends on agriculture. The national economic crisis strongly affects the area. Agriculture generates little income due to the absence of formal commercial networks and the lack of infrastructure such as roads and bridges, which keeps the population isolated and severely limits available financial resources.
Low incomes make it difficult for farmers to access necessary healthcare, often forcing them to rely on private initiatives. Public institutions, meanwhile, are frequently abandoned by staff who are poorly or irregularly paid.
Health situation
The rural health zone of Lukunga has around 10,000 inhabitants spread across about twenty villages. There is only one doctor in Gungu, a two-hour walk from Lukunga, but poor roads and a lack of transport make access to medical care very difficult. The nearest referral hospital is in Kikwit, 170 km away — a journey of about five hours when a vehicle is available. For many people, hospitalisation is therefore almost impossible, leading to a high rate of infant mortality and many home births.
This situation highlights the crucial importance of first aid for the rural population of Gungu and for the Lukunga health centre.
Hope and strength in everyday life.
Despite difficult living conditions, the people of Lukunga show remarkable optimism. The inhabitants share what they have, welcome us with open arms, and express deep gratitude for every form of support. Their resilience and joy of life show that our help is not just a drop in the ocean: together, we can truly make a difference. Every contribution — big or small — helps create more opportunities, better care, and a more dignified future for the families of Lukunga and the surrounding villages.
