New hope in the fight against malaria and river blindness in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Fortescue, one of the leading green energy and resource companies, today embarks on a new initiative to combat malaria and river blindness in the Inga region of the Democratic Republic of the congo. After two years of working with communities in this region, Fortescue is launching an ambitious program that will strengthen existing public health measures and ensure the sustainability of the fight against these devastating diseases through the active involvement of local populations.
The program put in place by Fortescue will include several key actions, including the regular spraying of insecticides inside and outside homes, the reduction of populations of black flies responsible for river blindness, as well as the training of members of local communities on vector control techniques for these diseases.
The objective is clear: to significantly reduce the prevalence of malaria and river blindness in the Inga region and the surrounding villages, within a radius of thirty kilometres. This initiative is part of global efforts to prevent tropical diseases, complementing existing public health measures such as the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and insecticide spraying in homes. Fortescue is committed to ensuring that this fight against vector-borne diseases also benefits emerging markets, promoting the development of the green economy and improving economic and social conditions at the local level.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has considerable potential for renewable energy and green industries, and Fortescue intends to exploit these opportunities to support the country’s development and improve access to electricity and economic growth. By working closely with the Congolese authorities and actively consulting with communities, Fortescue is committed to making its green industries project one of the largest sources of renewable energy in the world, including the hydroelectric site of ‘inga.
This initiative to fight against malaria and river blindness in Inga in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a tremendous step forward in the search for sustainable solutions for the prevention and treatment of these insidious diseases. Fortescue thus demonstrates its commitment to the development and well-being of local communities, using its expertise and resources to improve public health and promote a green economy in the DRC.
Source: Fortescue