In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the second largest country in Africa, health conditions are worsening. After more than 10 years of civil war, the country has seen its health indicators steadily worsen, particularly in the area of child mortality, with the population still experiencing permanent insecurity in some provinces. In addition to this, there is a constant risk of an outbreak of cholera and/or other lethal diseases.

The country is four times the size of France and has 11 provinces. Its great size and the lack of communication networks make it all the more difficult for any humanitarian intervention.

Since August 2011, ALIMA and its partners have been tackling the problem of cholera in several provinces, including Bandundu and Kinshasa. The objective of this project is to set up an effective investigation, surveillance and response system to anticipate the consequences of future epidemics. ALIMA is also supporting the World Food Programme with the implementation of a strategy aimed to prevent acute malnutrition in children aged between 6 and 24 months of age. This is being done through the distribution of Ready to Use Therapeutic Foodstuffs in Bandundu, Eastern Kasai, Western Kasai, North Kivu and Equateur.