The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), situated in the heart of Africa, is marked by a diverse population exceeding 87 million. The per capita income is $790, with a life expectancy of 62 for females and 59 for males. The infant mortality rate is 69 per 1,000 live births. The capital, Kinshasa, is located in the western part of the country. The DRC’s vast territory and ethnically rich population contribute to a complex healthcare landscape.
Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (MNCH)
Congo faces substantial challenges in maternal and child health, ranking 5th globally in under-five mortality. Despite constituting just 1% of the global population, Congo shoulders over 6% of global under-five mortality, with 148 out of 1,000 Congolese children not reaching the age of five. Political instability and armed conflict undermine the impact of health assistance from international organizations. Limited utilization of maternal healthcare services and insufficient skilled birth attendance contribute to existing health disparities, necessitating targeted interventions.
Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
The DRC accounts for 11% of global malaria deaths, with 60% of all hospital visits in the country attributed to malaria. The estimated incidence of tuberculosis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is 319/100.000, according to the WHO 2021 Global Tuberculosis Report. Neglected Tropical Diseases, including Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis, and Trachoma, pose substantial health risks, leading to life-altering morbidity and long-term disabilities.
Disease Surveillance, Emergency Preparedness, & Outbreak Response
The DRC contends with a high infectious disease burden, experiencing recurrent epidemics that demand emergency support. In 2022, the country faced its fourteenth Ebola outbreak since 1976, with six outbreaks occurring since 2018 alone. Other ongoing outbreaks include cholera, bubonic plague, and yellow fever. The country’s ability to respond to these crises underscores the importance of sustained efforts in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and outbreak response.
Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) present a significant health challenge in the DRC. The age-standardized mortality rate for major NCDs (Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Respiratory Disease, Cancer, and Diabetes) was high at 777 per 100,000 in males and 656 in females in 2021, which underscores the urgency of addressing these health issues. Comprehensive strategies for NCD prevention and management are vital for improving overall health outcomes in the population.
OUR PROJECTS & PROGRAMMES
Advocacy and Policy Influence:
Advocate for policies that enhance community-led health interventions, striving for impactful changes in health policies and practices in selected provinces.
Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Capacity Building:
Conduct comprehensive training programs in DRC to enhance the capabilities of community outreach workers. Deploy these trained workers to deliver MNCH services, effectively bridging the gap between healthcare facilities and remote communities.
Community Interventions for TB Prevention and Treatment:
Implement targeted community interventions in DRC to increase awareness and education on TB prevention and treatment in five priority provinces (Kasaï Oriental, Lualaba, Haut Katanga, and Kinshasa). These interventions should include educational campaigns, outreach programs, and collaborations with local communities to enhance TB awareness and reduce its prevalence.
Support implementation and scale-up of malaria prevention and control activities:
Train CHWs in two provinces to perform rapid diagnostic tests and administer appropriate antimalarial medications, distribute long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs)
Enhance diagnostics, case management, surveillance, and monitoring and evaluation of malaria-related activities.
Disease Surveillance, Emergency Preparedness, & Outbreak Response:
Training programs for local community health workers in emergency preparedness and developing rapid response mechanisms for effective outbreak containment in two provinces (Equateur and Haut Katanga).
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Establish clear and comprehensive metrics in DRC to monitor the progress and impact of health initiatives. Regularly assess the effectiveness of community interventions, ensuring alignment with the specific health needs of the population.
