This funding includes $ 246 million, a grant of $ 246 million from the International Development Association (IDA), and a $ 10 million grant from the Global Financing Facility (GFF).

In the DRC, 45% of children die before their fifth birthday, in particular because of inadequate nutrition. This is a major issue for the country. The project aims to reduce the prevalence of delay, provide community and primary health care and nutrition services, and provide family planning services in the provinces of Kwilu, Kasai Central, Kasai and Sud Kivu.

"This nutrition project, targeting areas of greatest need, is the largest and most ambitious ever funded by the World Bank. In a country like the DRC, where 6 million children still suffer from malnutrition, the fight against stunting is both a long-term commitment and the best investment that the authorities can do, "says Jean-Christophe Carret, Director of World Bank Operations for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Multisectoral Nutrition and Health Project should be benefited to 1.5 million pregnant and lactating women and 2.5 million children under five. More than 200,000 women of reproductive age will also be involved in, through family planning services. The project supports the government's efforts to develop a broad community platform for health and nutrition with the aim of providing a package of essential services, promoting the mobilization of residents and strengthening the demand for specific nutritional services. It will also contribute to the development of evidence-based public services.

"This project will improve the nutritional and physical status of the beneficiary children as well as their cognitive development. Ultimately, it will help boost the productivity of these future adults, improve the wage and income levels of individuals and households, and accelerate growth in the country, "the team leaders, Hadia Samaha and Jakub Jan Kakietek of the project to the World Bank said.

The project is part of the DRC's desire to build a comprehensive program for nutrition. Conscious of the impact of malnutrition on human development and economic growth, the Congolese authorities have fought against malnutrition and, more generally, investments in early childhood two priorities of the national strategy for the reduction of poverty and economic development.


(CKS/Yes)