Two out of three patients confirmed in Bukavu were declared recovered and have been discharged from the treatment center for people with SARS-Cov-2, the virus causing COVID-19 on April 20, 2020. After an official consultation led by the Governor of the Province at the treatment center based in Bwindi, Doctor Guy Quesney MATESO MBALE wanted to reassure the population while recalling the good measures to be observed in order to protect against COVID-19. The Emergency Doctor at the General Provincial Referral Hospital of Bukavu (HPGRB) and an alumnus of the Catholic University of Bukavu (UCB) is the manager of this center since the confirmation of the two first cases of COVID-19 on 30 March, 2020 in South Kivu Province.

In the fight carried out by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (290 cases already) against the COVID-19 pandemic, South Kivu Province responded from the start. A first technical notice which focused on the prevention and management of the disease in the province was conveyed by the Catholic University of Bukavu and the HPGRB to the provincial authorities. By examining the risks of the pandemic and its severe consequences on the Province, this notice proposed an approach that should spare the inhabitants in the case of the confirmation of the virus. A second notice was issued on 30 March, 2020, recommending the Governor of the Province to unite the various local expertise and to always insist on prevention with regard to logistical difficulties.

Out of three cases that have been confirmed to date following tests carried out by the National Biomedical Research Institute (INRB) in Kinshasa, the Province is pleased to note two cases of recovery. Doctor Guy Quesney MATESO MBALE indicates that one was treated using the combination of azythromicine and chloroquine (National Protocol) and the other patient who did not present symptoms, although confirmed sick, has just received psychological support from the treatment team of clinical psychologists and was not subjected to any medication. This is why he insists that asymptomatic people (healthy carriers) whose immune systems are still effective can be a real danger for people with vulnerable health, such as the elderly and those with preexisting pathologies such as malnutrition, diabetes, high blood pressure, AIDS and who are likely to progress to serious complications that can lead to death. Regarding the third patient with COVID-19 and who is still being treated at Bwindi treatment center, the doctor in charge reassures that the progress very well as the results of the first check were negative and is awaiting the results of the second check to be declared cured. Prevention is the effective way to protect yourself and others, he concluded. He entreats the population to ensure the observance of barrier gestures (wash their hands frequently with soap and / or use a hydro alcoholic solution, stay at home and only go out for very essential activities, observe social distance of one meter, use disposable handkerchiefs and wear protective masks). Out of the 290 confirmed cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 25 died and 35 were declared healed. South Kivu province at this stage has not registered any case of death.

Doctor Guy Quesney MATESO MBALE is the vice-president of the sub-commission the COVID-19 Riposte Management in South Kivu and is the coordinator of the COVID-19 treatment center located in Bwindi, Bukavu Town. He also coordinates HPGRB / UCB riposte team activities. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the Catholic University of Bukavu in his class of 2008. At the General Provincial Reference Hospital of Bukavu, he plays the role of Chief Medical Staff Doctor and is responsible for Acute Medicine. By congratulating him for his prowess for the benefit of the Republic in this difficult time for the whole humanity, the Catholic University of Bukavu wishes to highlight the contribution of this worthy son of Bukavu as well as all his graduates who animate several sectors of national, regional and international life. May you shine from the top of lakes and mountains and serve the community adequately. This has been our commitment since the creation of the University.