Democratic Republic of Congo

Background

A long series of conflicts ravaged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) throughout the 1990s, destroying most of the Central African country's infrastructure. Recovery continues to be a slow and complex process, making DRC one of the least developed – and most desperate – countries in Africa.

In much of DRC, living conditions are dismal, access to health care is minimal and violence still erupts in unstable areas. Rape and violence against women may be more common in DRC than anywhere else in the world. Though rich in resources that allow hope for a bright future as a thriving country, DRC is still in dire need of economic and social reconstruction.

According to a 2008 United Nations report, DRC has a population of over 57.5 million people. Of these:

• 75% live below the poverty line
• More than half have no access to drinking water or to basic healthcare
• Three out of every 10 children are poorly nourished
• Up to 20% of children won't live past the age of 5, and nearly half will die before their 40th birthday.

Without a doubt, few people need assistance more than the Congolese to achieve their potential for a healthy, peaceful and productive future.

Our Work in DRC

IMA World Health established a field office in Goma to better support the extensive health care needs in DRC.

USHINDI: A Project to Combat Sexual and Gender Based Violence

Thorough USHINDI, IMA works in partnership with the Ministry of Health and several national/international NGOs as well as community and women’s groups in Eastern DRC to provide a holistic approach that encompasses medical, psychosocial, legal, and economic interventions to support survivors and those affected by sexual and gender based violence. IMA promotes prevention activities and provides care and treatment to those affected by SGBV in 10 health zones within the Orientale, North Kivu, Maniema, and South Kivu provinces. IMA also works in the community to overcome negative social attitudes toward women as well as with civil authorities to ensure protection of all women and the application of laws guaranteeing safety, protection, and equal rights. To date, USHINDI has treated 2,411 Congolese women and children, counseled over 3,400, and is achieving greater awareness with approximately 440,000 reached through radio, campaigns and focus groups.

Strengthening the Capacity of Sexual and Gender Based Violence Service Facilitites

Designed to build on services supported by the USAID-funded USHINDI project in 10 health zones, this project is increasing the capacity of the health facilities providing sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) services. A total of 108 health facilities are being brought up to standards by receiving essential equipment for general services, solar lighting to work at night, solar refrigerators for the cold chain and medicines requiring refrigeration, and training of 240 health personnel in the delivery of primary health care and specialized treatment need by women and children affected by sexual violence. A complete rehabilitation is underway for the 15 facilities most in need of assistance. The project is also providing technical assistance to improve the health management information system to capture and record critical data for decision making and SGBV policy design.

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria: Rd 8

IMA provides technical support to the Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC), who has been designated as a Principal Recipient of Round 8 Global Fund for HIV/AIDS and Malaria. Managing financial and procurement project components, IMA supports ECC in augmenting and ensuring continuation of prevention, care, treatment, and support services from Rounds 3 and 7. The HIV/AIDS component contributes to the reduction of morbidity and mortality rates as well as negative effects related to infection with HIV or AIDS in 196 health zones through local and national media communication to encourage behavioral change, distribution of condoms, support for orphans and vulnerable children, and care and support for people suffering from chronic diseases. The malaria component of the program reinforces health services in 119 health zones to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment using Rapid Diagnosis Kits and Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) medicines. Through routine health services, long-lasting insecticide-treated nets are distributed to women and children.

Maternal Health Project

The Equatorial region is one of the more geographically isolated and impoverished regions in the DRC with access rates to essential prenatal care among Africa’s lowest. IMA provides support to 25 strategically located clinics through medicines, diagnostic and treatment kits, and subsidies for training and support that allow women to access high quality and comprehensive antenatal services for nominal fees. IMA provides medicine (malaria prophylaxis, vitamins, and vaccination), examinations, screening tests, prenatal counseling, nutritional support, family planning, and literacy training as well as builds the capacity of health care providers.

Oncho Capacity Reinforcement: Kasai and Bandaundu

IMA is supporting the reinforcement of Onchocerciasis programming in Kasai in Kananga, the capital city of Kasai Occidental Province, and Bandundu. Interventions include training, transportation, and procurement of registers for increased efficiency in drug distribution. IMA is also helping the national program conduct community directed treatment of Onchocerciasis to target approximately 1 million persons in 7 health zones in Bandundu Province.

Provide Medicines and Supplies

· DRC is among the most dangerous places in the world to give birth. IMA's Safe Motherhood Kits™ provide clean and sterile birthing supplies for expectant mothers to lessen the risk of injury, infection and death. DONATE NOW >>