Title: Strategic multi-sector plan for the elimination of cholera in the DRC: A mobilization of 192 million dollars to fight this disease
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is preparing to implement a Strategic Multisector Plan for Cholera Elimination (PMSEC) for the next four years, from 2023 to 2027. A financial mobilization of $192 million is planned to support this initiative. The decision was taken during the meeting of the Steering Committee of the National Coordination of Action for Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (CNAEHA) which was held in Kinshasa on Thursday October 26, 2023. This approach aims to stop the spread of cholera in the DRC, a disease which has already caused many deaths, particularly among children.
The Cholera Elimination Strategic Plan:
Under the chairmanship of Judith Suminwa, Minister of State in charge of Planning, the CNAEHA Steering Committee decided to present the PMSEC file at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers. This step is crucial to obtaining adoption of the plan at the highest level of government.
The Minister of Health, Roger Kamba, stressed that the adoption of this Strategic Cholera Elimination Plan is timely, as many financial partners are preparing to establish their budgets. The main objective of this plan is to end cholera in the DRC once and for all.
Current cholera situation in the DRC:
According to UNICEF figures, the DRC has recorded more than 31,342 cases of cholera this year, with 230 deaths, including a large number of children. The most affected province is North Kivu, with more than 21,400 suspected or confirmed cases, including more than 8,000 children under 5 years old. These figures are alarming, especially when compared to the 5,120 cases the previous year, of which 1,200 involved children under 5 years old.
Mobilization of resources for the implementation of the plan:
The Minister of Planning, Judith Suminwa, plans to convene a round table with donors and technical and financial partners to present the Plan and seek their financial support. She also encourages other national partners to follow the lead of WHO, UNICEF, PATH and IFRC in mobilizing resources for this Plan.
Conclusion :
The mobilization of $192 million for the implementation of the Strategic Multisector Plan for the Elimination of Cholera in the DRC demonstrates the commitment of the Congolese government to fight this devastating disease. This initiative aims to stop the spread of cholera and save lives, especially among the most vulnerable populations. By mobilizing resources and involving national and international partners, the DRC hopes to definitively eradicate cholera and improve the health conditions of its population.