In recent weeks, over 50,000 men, women, and children have fled advancing rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo and have sought refuge in Burundi, says Jackson, founder and director of Ubuntu Clinique. The Ubuntu Clinique is only 5 km from the Congo/Burundi border and those escaping for their lives, swim across the Ruzizi River (pictured above) or walk via nearby bridges. Sadly, some do not cross successfully and their bodies are brought by fellow travellers to the clinique’s morgue. The recent refugees represent all kinds of people: Congolese civilians, police, and military; others are Burundians returning to Burundi after fleeing their homeland during 1990s’ civil war, the same war that Jackson escaped as a child.

Every day a line-up of refugees seeks food at Jackson and Aceline’s gate – and the number is increasing daily. Patients arrive suffering dehydration, bacterial infections, malaria (due to sleeping outdoors), and gunshot wounds. Due to the demand, food prices in Burundi have doubled (or tripled), housing is scarce, and fuel is in short supply making travel impossible or prohibitive.

How are Jackson and Aceline faring? The impact on Jackson, his family and the Clinique team is heavy, demanding unrelenting mental and physical energy. They rely on their faith and partnership from their financial supporters as always – but especially now during these stressful times.

Please hold them and their displaced and traumatized brothers and sisters in your thoughts and prayers. As you are able, please share Jackson’s story and please continue your financial support for the courageous work of Ubuntu Clinique. Click below to read more about the war and its regional impacts.

Thank you for your support of Ubuntu Clinique which makes life-saving medical interventions possible especially during this time of regional conflict.