Fighting malaria and river blindness in Inga, Democratic Republic of Congo
In the Inga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Fortescue is now embarking on a new initiative to fight malaria and river blindness. After more than two years of working within these communities, Fortescue is implementing a program that will strengthen existing public health measures while ensuring program sustainability through the involvement of local communities. This program will be implemented in close collaboration with the Congolese authorities.
During the launch of this initiative, Fortescue was accompanied by several diplomatic representatives and civil servants, testifying to the importance given to this fight against malaria and river blindness. The main actions of this program include indoor and outdoor spraying, as well as the use of larvicides every three months in the Inga region. A spraying campaign supervised by public health actors will also be put in place to reduce the population of harmful black flies. In parallel, a training program will be provided to members of local communities so that they can implement vector control measures on an ongoing basis, under the supervision of health specialists.
Fortescue’s goal is to contribute significantly to the reduction of river blindness and the prevalence of malaria in Inga and surrounding villages. According to the World Health Organization, vector control is essential for the prevention of tropical diseases and complements existing public health interventions. Fortescue is also committed to promoting the green economy and improving local social and economic outcomes by enabling emerging markets to reap the benefits of this sustainable transition.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has enormous potential in terms of renewable energy and green industries. Fortescue, by supporting and empowering communities, wishes to develop the Green Industries Project in the DRC, which notably includes the Inga hydroelectric site, to make it one of the largest sources of renewable energy in the world. By working closely with Congolese communities and authorities, Fortescue hopes to improve access to electricity and promote the country’s economic growth.
This initiative by Fortescue once again demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development and improving the living conditions of local populations.. By implementing measures to combat malaria and river blindness, Fortescue contributes to the health and well-being of Inga communities, while promoting the transition to a green and sustainable economy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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About Fortescue
Fortescue is a global green energy and resource company. Recognized for its culture, innovation and development of infrastructure and mining assets, Fortescue is committed to promoting a green economy and improving the quality of life of the communities in which it operates