In Congo we’re used to bad news, but we were all deeply saddened to hear of the death of the dentist at St Matthieu Hospital, Bukavu on 3rd July. He had developed stomach ulcers with complications, and was in the provincial hospital in Bukavu for a month before he died.
Elie had trained for four years at the nursing college in Aru as a dental nurse and had returned to Bukavu three years ago. The dental training had been set up by a brilliant Australian dentist who ensured that the dentists had very good practical skills, and were able to handle fillings, prosthetics and even wire fractured jaws.
Elie was buiding up the dental work at St Matthieu Hospital in Bukavu. Semiliki had just sent an expensive dental chair for his work, that had inbuilt xray, suction, light and drill. The order had just been placed when the M23 rebel group took over Goma, and then Bukavu two months later, and we were very concerned in case the chair got looted en route. Despite that, the chair arrived safely to Bukavu, and Elie was thrilled.
Elie wrote to us in mid May to thank Semiliki for the support to his work:
“We thank God that we are living despite the disturbance of rebellion. Let’s hope that our good Lord will help us. Thank you very much for your support during our project. Your help has been invaluable and today is palpable in our Saint Matthieu hospital in the dentistry department, which really makes a difference. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your generosity. May God bless you abundantly and abundantly, I lack words, so please accept my consideration.”
Elie leaves a wife and young children, as well as the hospital without a dentist. It will not be easy for the team to find someone with such experience and dedication, and he is deeply mourned by the hospital team where he was much loved and appreciated. Semiliki trustees have made a small contribution towards the medical expenses for his care as his family face a huge debt.
