Olam Agri Inaugurates New Boarding House to Treat Patients from Indigenous Communities
Pokola, Republic of Congo - Olam Agri is proud to announce the inauguration of a new boarding house dedicated to patients from indigenous communities and their families visiting its medical clinic in Pokola.
This significant event coincides with International Indigenous People’s Day and underscores Olam Agri’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Indigenous Pygmy communities in the Republic of Congo.
Olam Agri has long been at the forefront of providing healthcare services to the local population in Pokola and beyond through its medical clinic. Recognising Indigenous populations’ unique challenges, Olam Agri has implemented various initiatives to ensure these communities have equitable access to healthcare. The Pygmies, a minority group with a lifestyle deeply rooted in the forest, often face discrimination and significant barriers when seeking medical care.
In recent years, Olam Agri has taken concrete steps to address these issues, including:
- Hiring Indigenous clinic guides.
- Offering free healthcare and medication to Indigenous patients.
- Providing free meals to hospitalised patients and their companions.
- Facilitating transportation back to their villages.
In 2020, the introduction of free meals adapted to their eating habits was a first step that changed the rules. From then on, Indigenous patients followed their treatment to the end and accepted hospitalisation.
In 2023 alone, the Medical Clinic provided:
3,093
Free Medical Consultations for Indigenous Patients
3,716
Free Meals Distributed
2,588
Days of Free Hospitalisations Facilitated
491
Individuals Hospitalised for More Than One Day
The new boarding house will address the challenge of housing families accompanying patients during treatment was made possible with the generous financial support of our customer Global Timber.
Indeed, for these forest dwellers, finding accommodation in a town like Pokola during their treatments is a challenge and can become very restrictive for the families who agree to host them. This home will accommodate up to three families at a time. By addressing Indigenous families’ social and financial difficulties, Olam Agri aims to ensure that these communities can lead dignified lives while preserving their forest-related traditions for future generations.
We deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve these communities. By inaugurating this boarding house on International Indigenous People’s Day, we take a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting the Indigenous Pygmy communities. By providing a safe and welcoming space for patients and their families, we not only enhance their access to healthcare but also affirm their dignity and cultural heritage. This project embodies our dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
Vincent Istace,
Head of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at Olam Agri
The inauguration on International Indigenous People’s Day marks a significant milestone in Olam Agri’s and its partners ongoing efforts to combat healthcare discrimination and support the well-being of Indigenous populations.
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