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Healthcare Crisis Grips Mayotte

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Justice Nwafor
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On the poverty-stricken island of Mayotte, a staggering 80% of the population live below the poverty line, exacerbating their struggle to access basic healthcare services. With only one public hospital catering to the entire island, the daily reality for residents is akin to navigating an obstacle course just to receive medical attention. The lack of healthcare professionals, inadequate care centers, excessive administrative procedures, and repressive policies have created formidable barriers that result in delayed follow-up care and deteriorating health conditions.

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Intimidation and Attacks Compound Healthcare Woes

In recent weeks, the healthcare situation on the island has taken a turn for the worse. For over 12 consecutive days, health centers and the main hospital sites have been forced to shut down, leaving hundreds of consultations canceled and emergency departments deserted. The dire state of affairs stems from the strong intimidation tactics employed by the pro-Wuambushu camp, coupled with targeted attacks from gangs. Shockingly, the public authorities' response to this crisis has been the closure of healthcare facilities, thereby inadvertently endorsing these obstacles and worrisome excesses. The repercussions of this dire situation are proving to be disastrous for the health and well-being of the population.

Médecins du Monde Advocates for the Protection of Healthcare Spaces

Operating in Mayotte since 2009, Médecins du Monde is a prominent humanitarian organization that has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the underserved. In light of the escalating healthcare crisis, the organization has called for the guarantee of safety within healthcare premises and emphasizes the fundamental right to access health services.

The protection of healthcare facilities is paramount, both for the island's population in dire need of medical attention and for the dedicated professionals who tirelessly serve them day in and day out. Médecins du Monde believes that by safeguarding these spaces, the authorities can pave the way for improved access to healthcare, thus mitigating the suffering experienced by the marginalized communities on the island.

Mayotte AccessToHealthcare MedicalAttention healthcarecrisis PovertyStricken
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