As fighting continues near the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jericho Road’s Wellness Clinic remains a place of hope — and one of the few stable sources of healthcare for thousands of families caught in crisis.
Since 2015, the Wellness Clinic has been part of Jericho Road’s global mission to bring compassionate, community-based care to some of the most vulnerable people in the world. Today, as rebel forces move closer to the city, our staff continues to show extraordinary courage and commitment in serving their neighbors.
On the Ground in Goma
Our Chief Compliance & Global Operations Officer, Fidèle Menavanza, and Frank Mueller, Manager of Financial Analysis, recently traveled to Goma to work alongside our Congolese team.
Despite concerns about safety, both found a city striving for normalcy amid instability — and a clinic that continues to grow even under pressure.
“While North Kivu remains a war zone, Goma itself is calm,” Fidèle reported. “The Wellness Clinic has become a full-scale hospital in both scope and impact. The team continues to deliver around 200 babies each month and care for thousands of patients. Their dedication, even under threat, is nothing short of heroic.”
Frank shared similar reflections after touring the clinic’s four buildings and meeting the more than 70 local staff members:
“Over 90% of the original employees are still there. The breadth of clinical services they’ve built under constant threat cannot be overstated. What they’ve accomplished is enormous.”
What’s Happening at the Wellness Clinic
Even in the face of war and supply shortages, the Wellness Clinic continues to serve as a lifeline for the people of Goma:
- 3,000+ patient visits each month
- 150–200 babies delivered monthly (including emergency C-sections)
- 700+ surgeries performed so far this year
- 150 children fed monthly through our malnutrition program
- 400+ children immunized each month
The clinic’s maternity ward, surgical center, and pediatric inpatient units are operating at full capacity — and in many cases, over it. Local health officials have now classified the site as a “look-alike hospital,” reflecting the scope of care it provides.
Beyond Medicine: Building Futures
Just a few miles outside the city, Jericho Road’s Mugunga Farm continues to be a vital part of the Goma community. The farm provides education, nutrition support, and vocational training in sewing, esthetics, and literacy — giving hundreds of children and adults the skills to build a more stable future.
Thanks to a recent grant, construction is underway on a new school building that will expand the farm’s reach.
One of the most moving moments from Fidèle and Frank’s visit came during a food distribution event at the Mugunga Farm, where 150 mothers of malnourished children received aid.
“The room erupted in song and dance,” Frank recalled. “The excitement and bright smiles of these mothers brought tears to our eyes. It was a celebration of hope and community in the midst of hardship.”
Stories of Hope and Legacy
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n the midst of crisis, stories of hope continue to emerge. One of them comes from Dr. Nico Fesser, a former UB medical student who spent the summer of 2019 working at the Wellness Clinic. Inspired by his experience and the leadership of our clinic director, Chantal, Dr. Fesser returned to Goma this year with two colleagues to launch the Fesser and Friends Center for Hope — a rehabilitation center for former child soldiers.
His journey is a testament to the ripple effect of Jericho Road’s work: empowering not only the people we serve but also those who come alongside us.
Standing with Goma
Your compassion has made this work possible. Every prayer, every message of encouragement, and every contribution has helped keep our clinic open and our staff equipped to serve through unimaginable challenges.
The situation in Goma remains fragile, yet our team continues to show strength and faith in the face of uncertainty. Their commitment to healing and hope is a daily reminder of why Jericho Road’s mission matters — and why global solidarity can truly make a difference.
If you feel moved to support this ongoing work, you can learn more or make a gift to our global health programs below. Your generosity helps sustain the Wellness Clinic and ensure that care continues for those who need it most.
