LOCATION

Katanga province, Tanganyika district (11 health zones)

SITUATION

In south-east DRC, the huge Katanga province is divided in two: the cobalt belt in the south, and the rural agricultural area in the north. Tanganyika district, which borders the conflict area, is a transition area where the health system remains extremely fragile. Cholera is endemic in lakeside areas and flourishes along the rivers and the communication routes. Doctors of the World is supporting the health authorities.

SOLUTION

This project launched in 2006 aims to improve the accessibility and quality of primary healthcare for the general population of Tanganyika, through a technical, financial and operational partnership with the provincial and district health authorities. This programme, carried out under the support of the national health policy, has four components: supporting the district management steering team; supporting the staff of Kongolo zone to improve the quality of care in the general hospital (including the maternity unit); facilitating the introduction of a minimum package of activities in health centres; and reviewing health system financing to promote the accessibility of care for vulnerable groups.

BENEFICIARIES

29090 (targeted at 203,735)

RESULTS

7,676 children under one year old vaccinated (93.2% coverage), 3,998 women seen by Kongolo CPN.

OUTLOOK

LONG TERM

DOW plans to withdraw in 2011 after strong partnerships that have been forged over more than five years with the district health authorities, based on a capacity-building approach. The organisation is preparing to handover responsibilities to the relevant authorities.