Democratic Republic of the Congo
In 2005, HKI established an office in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Initially, HKI focused on supporting micronutrient supplementation and since expanded its programs to address malnutrition through nutrition education and food fortification.
Program Descriptions:
Vitamin A and Zinc Supplementation: Since 2006, HKI provides support to the Ministry of Health, under the National Program for Nutrition (PRONANUT), for the implementation of biannual vitamin A supplementation (VAS) campaigns including de-worming activities with funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Working with UNICEF, HKI integrated vitamin A distribution into the National Immunization Days (NIDs) against polio, tetanus, measles and Community-Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) to combat onchocerciasis. In 2007, more than 9 million children were supplemented.
A three year USAID-funded consortium, the AXxes project, aims to strengthen the DRC’s health system. HKI provides technical advising for Community-Based Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (C-IMICI) activities related to zinc in diarrhea management and nutrition through vitamin A supplementation for post-partum women and under-five children, in 57 health zones throughout 4 provinces in the country.
Nutrition Education: HKI, in partnership with the World Wide Fund (WWF), conducts nutrition education activities to agricultural producers and rural populations in Bas-Congo under a food security project. This project supports 3 local NGOs who work with 50 village development committees. HKI trains community volunteers in key family practices and essential nutrition actions. The volunteers then promote the messages within the communities and, under the supervision of HKI and other local NGOs, conduct activities to raise awareness.
Food Fortification: HKI chairs the DRC Food Fortification Alliance, with members including UNICEF, World Bank and PRONANUT. The Alliance partners with the private sector including the wheat and maize flour milling company, Midema, and DRC’s cane sugar producer, Compagnie Sucrière Kwilu-Congo. The Alliance and partners will develop a global strategic plan for creating a favorable environment for food fortification within the DRC.
 A logo for the fortified products has been developed along with other promotional and marketing materials included a brochure, stickers, posters and banners. Please click here to see the brochure (in French.)
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Program Partners:
- CIDA
- IMA
- National Program for Nutrition (PRONANUT)
- National Program of Onchocerciasis (PNLO)
- UNICEF
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Key Staff:
- Sophie Cowppli-Bony - Country Director
- Aimerance Kabena - Nutrition Coordinator
- Casimir Nkashama - Nutritionist
- Berthe Silikani - Finance and Adminsitration Manager
Last updated: August, 2008
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