Canada-Congo Project to Promote Community Health Services in Three Areas of the Greater Kinshasa Region (PROSA-KIN) 

This project, which takes place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2003 to 2007, was determined in the course of a CIDA mission initiated in February 2000. It is now part of the CIDA’s temporary programs in this country—one of five projects undertaken in different fields of intervention.  

Following years of political, economical and social unrest, the country’s healthcare sector is in a state of emergency. Statistical data on its population is extremely alarming—particularly where women and children’s health are concerned. Perinatal mortality is among the highest worldwide. Projects to support this sector must therefore concurrently include long- and short-term emergency measures aimed at improving public access to basic health-care services, as well as a sustainable strengthening of the nation’s healthcare facilities, in a development perspective. The current project reconciles both approaches. 

It was launched in May 2003, with field operations beginning in July 2003. Established to support the Ministry of Public Health (by way of Kinshasa’ provincial health inspection office) the Project intends to increase the public’s access to primary health care by reinstating or introducing a limited number of basic health care facilities and services. It will help improve the general health of populations in Nsele, Maluku I and Maluku II, three zones which are part of the Nsele health care district, an area located on the eastern side of the province of Kinshasa. This mostly rural district houses 5% of the province’s population, but covers 90% of its territory. 

This project, led by the Groupe Consultation CCISD, focuses on (1) reinforcing the supervision structure of sub-district health centers and primary health care facilities, (2) providing support to primary health care facilities (physical and organisational rehabilitation), and (3) community mobilisation and prevention programs; offering support to NGO initiatives and to the initiatives of civil society organisations that are integrated to the health care pyramid.

The challenge resides in supporting health center personnel in the three target zones to measurably increase access to quality preventive and curative care in the context if widespread poverty, in a very large but sparsely populated area.  In addition to providing reinforcement to national healthcare facilities, the project will:

·            improve the long-term availability of essential drugs;  

·            contribute to the training and supervision of healthcare personnel;

·            reinforce preventive measures and health promotion;

·            provide support and supervision for community mobilisation and preventive programs.
 

 The Team (November 19, 2005)

Documents

• Bulletin No,1 (in French, PDF 129 K)