Enabling vulnerable groups to have access to quality health care is one of the priorities of the NGO Regard Fraternel. And the target populations of the Ouémé valley have been enjoying it for two years through the construction of a community health center called “Prima Luce “. By its organization, it has become a reference in the commune of Adjohoun.
The NGO Regard Fraternel remains attached to its original principle : Promoting the protection and respect of human rights for the purpose of strengthening peace, solidarity between peoples and social equity in Benin and Africa. A challenge that cannot be met while the lack of quality care is a bottleneck for the target communities. D’où l’érection il y a de cela deux ans d’un cadre sanitaire dénommé ”Prima Luce”. “We have been organizing periodically since 2015 support missions for women and vulnerable populations in collaboration with state health centers. But the observation shows that the reception was not what it should be. The lack of adequate equipment and qualified personnel are also part of the difficulties encountered at the time.. This, despite the efforts of state authorities to correct the situation. C’est à ce moment qu’on a décidé de créer notre propre centre ”Prima Luce” qui signifie la première lumière en français pour montrer que quelque chose de mieux est faisable » raconte Jean Damascène Fagnihoun, Executive Director of the NGO Regard Fraternel. This means that the structure through the center remains in line with one of its specific objectives.. Which consists in making available and what, free of charge medical equipment and specialized services for the benefit of health facilities for the well-being of vulnerable people. This is what justifies the specificity of the services available at the Prima Luce Health Center.
"Priority, we have an authorization from a childbirth clinic. That is to say, we only specialize in childbirth here. More, the child cannot be delivered without bringing him the pediatric services. This is why we recruit paediatricians who come spontaneously to consult the children who are born here so that they can have access to comprehensive care once they are born,” says the Executive Director of the organization, who already says he is and-already satisfied with the interest of the public in relation to the positive results resulting from the services of the center. “This could be a textbook case for other centers in Benin. C’est un centre suffisamment connu par les populations et les autorités » dit-il avant de rassurer sur la poursuite de la marche entamée vers la satisfaction totale des citoyens cibles avec l’appui des différents partenaires notamment Time4Life International. « Nous n’avons pas la prétention de tout faire bien encore. But we are delighted that the objectives set at the beginning are falling short. We are learning as we are in our second year. We are working to ensure that the center becomes a reference in terms of care for the person entirely in the Ouémé valley and other parts of the country ». ” Tant qu’il reste à faire, rien n’est fait ” dit l’adage. Without a doubt, the leaders of the NGO Regard Fraternel, together with their partners, do not intend to stop on such a good path in terms of their commitment to serving the communities.
Antoine Bonou, la main invisible…
The humanitarian works of the NGO Regard Fraternel are well established both locally and nationally. In line with his vision, the structure has already impacted several communities as part of the promotion of sustainable social change through the improvement of the living conditions of vulnerable populations. Behind all these actions hides a discreet man : Antoine Bonou. Well known for its social character, he created the organization to broaden this side that he has more than some people of his rank with the disadvantaged strata. And more logical than it might seem, he surrounded himself with like-minded people. As if to say that flocks together with just a brotherly look to save lives.
Edmond HOUESSIKINDE