The PAX clinic is located in downtown Kananga, a Belgian relic of a planned capital that is home to over a million people. Because none of the original infrastructure functions, we have been collaborating with IMCK (a foundation created by American Missionaries) over the last few decades in an effort to vastly improve the quality of healthcare in the hospital. 

The renovation was broken into phases to achieve a sustainable economic model that would enable the hospital to be maintained and even improved. The laboratory was the first section to be addressed, followed by the dental clinic and maternity ward. These three functions have been crucial in the hospital’s ability to function economically. 

Equally as important has been the photovoltaic systems we have installed in the last ten years. There are three 4.5kw systems covering the lighting and equipment needs of the building. One system is dedicated to the new operating theatre we built (in an old movie theater) and the maternity and OBGYN. Babies were previously delivered in the dark, and if complications arose during the birth one would need to relocate upstairs, in the dark, to complete the cesarian by flashlight. It was not ideal. 

We also added a potable water system with our water ATM’s a.k.a. Lorentz SmartTaps. Now the healthcare itself is being subsidized for the community, which is especially crucial in this impoverished city. 

The courtyards have become lush gardens with papaya and cacao trees providing shade and fruit for the employees and patients. 

While there is still much to do, Durable Solutions is committed to collaborating with local health organizations like IMCK and addressing health development in the PAX and similar clinics, which treat thousands a day and make an impact on the dire primary health care situation.