Fight against malaria and river blindness: Fortescue is committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Mining company Fortescue has just launched an ambitious initiative to combat malaria and river blindness in the Inga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Based on its experience of more than two years with the communities of this region, the company is implementing a program aimed at strengthening existing public health measures while including the active participation of local communities.
The launch of this initiative was marked by the presence of the Ambassador of Spain, as well as diplomatic representatives of France, Belgium, Germany and South Africa. The authorities of the Ministry of Public Health and the Congolese Environment Agency were also present to support this action.
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 is also planned under the supervision of public health actors to reduce the presence of “black flies” vectors of river blindness. In addition, a training program will be put in place to train and certify local community members on vector control measures, in collaboration with health specialists.
The objective of this program is to significantly reduce the prevalence of malaria and river blindness in Inga and the surrounding villages within a radius of thirty kilometers. According to the World Health Organization, vector control is essential for the prevention of tropical diseases. Fortescue is thus committed to complementing existing public health interventions by deploying effective control tools such as long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets, residual spraying and environmental management to specifically target vectors.
In parallel with this initiative, Fortescue is implementing a project to develop green industries in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company wants to make the Inga region one of the largest sources of renewable energy in the world, in particular through the construction of a hydroelectric site.
By working closely with local communities and Congolese authorities, Fortescue hopes to help develop the DRC’s renewable energy and green industry potential, while improving access to electricity and promoting the country’s economic growth.
This initiative by Fortescue demonstrates once again the company’s commitment to sustainable development and improving the living conditions of the communities in which it operates.. By tackling major public health issues such as malaria and river blindness, Fortescue is showing that it is committed to making a real difference in the fight against these diseases and supporting socio-economic development in the region