Project profile — Response to the development of the Ebola epidemic in the DRC - Crisis pool - Response to COVID-19

This project's component provides additional funding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This project aims to strengthen the coordination of national and provincial actors, and supports health structures and communities in the city of Kinshasa and provinces at risk of COVID-19 outbreak. This component of the project is being implemented in the health zones of the city of Kinshasa, which has an estimated population of 12 million, and 9 at-risk provinces (Kongo Central, Kwilu, Kwango, Mai-Ndombe, Kasaï, Haut-Katanga, Tshopo, Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu).

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved coordination structures at both the national and provincial levels (support for the development of provincial plans) for the response to COVID-19 in the DRC; (2) strengthened capacities within structures for the management, monitoring and investigation of COVID-19 cases; (3) improved infection prevention and control in health structures and in the community (training of health personnel and community members, provision of hygiene kits and incinerators); and (4) strengthened risk communication and community involvement in collaboration with community organizations.

Results achieved as of the end of the project (March 2021) include: (1) distributed 10,000 screening tests to support the response to the coronavirus (COVID 19) epidemic by the DRC’s Ministry of Health; (2) purchased and distributed 44 oxygen concentrators to health centers to make it easier to manage severe cases of COVID 19; (3) distributed medical kits to 204 health facilities to address urgent health needs caused by the COVID 19 epidemic; and (4) 260 care providers received training on COVID 19 control and prevention strategies. As a result, the project helped support the Government of the DRC’s COVID 19 response plan and nationwide vaccine management.