USAID: Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

FY 2001 Program Description and Activity Data Sheets

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FY 2001 Program

As pieces of the Lusaka Accord are put in place, the USAID program will position itself to respond swiftly to opportunities in support of the Accord. The support is critical in order to encourage further advances in implementation of the Accord. The FY2001 program will continue support to civil society and NGOs but will allow limited but well targeted support to the GDRC. It assumes continual approval of waivers for specific activities in the near-term and a country specific Brooke waiver for the DRC as part of the FY 2001 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act.
The present strategy covers interventions in health, democracy, good governance and environmental protection sub-objectives. The FY 2001 program will build upon the success of these objectives. The three key intermediate results will be expanded to: 1) improve child survival, HIV/AIDs control and prevention; 2) support good governance and promote the rule of law with emphasis on multi stakeholder problem solving; and 3) strengthen constituencies for conservation, sustainable natural resources management and bio-diversity.
In the health sector, USAID's highly successful child survival and HIV/AIDs control activities will be expanded to all six provinces. The capacity of national and non-governmental health delivery institutions will be strengthened. USAID will support the eradication of polio, control of malaria and will position itself to respond to epidemics and outbreaks of rare and infectious diseases. It will support an expanded HIV/AIDs prevention and control program, targeting youths and people living with HIV/AIDs, while providing assistance to develop base line data.
In democracy and governance, USAID will continue to support civil society and strengthen its role as partners to the GDRC in building a politically stable country. USAID will support increasing the capacity of human rights NGOs for coalition building, advocacy, information development and dissemination, litigation and representation. Through IFES and the Law Group, USAID will strengthen the capacity of key NGOs to provide access to legal services to individuals and groups and will actively support a transition to a democratically elected government.
In environmental conservation and natural resources management, USAID will continue to support policy changes, capacity building and private initiatives to protect the environment. Interventions will include environmental advocacy, reinforcing community awareness and support to agro-forestry to increase production and income while enhancing livelihoods.
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ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
TITLE AND NUMBER: The Congolese People Are Assisted to Solve National, Provincial and Community Problems Through Participatory Processes That Involve the Public, Private and Civil Sector, 660-001
PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $$8,980,000 (CSD), $830,000 (DA), $6,000,000 (P.L. 480 Title II)
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $0
STATUS: Completion
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2000
Summary: The USAID program in the DRC that resumed in FY1999 took into consideration the uncertain, complex and highly constraining circumstances of providing humanitarian and development assistance to the DRC. Despite [U.S. legislative] sanctions that limit U.S. assistance to the DRC, the program obtained waivers to provide humanitarian and development assistance. The program focuses on the creation of viable processes and necessary circumstances for the DRC's transition to a stable nation. The three proposed objectives include: 1) addressing high risk global health concerns with emphasis on strengthening governance structures for public health and citizen participation; 2) promoting good governance and the rule of law with emphasis on multiple stakeholder problem-solving; and 3) building constituencies for sustainable management of natural resources. The program is complemented by the provision of humanitarian-related assistance. The main beneficiaries include: 1) the local communities assisted by USAID operations; 2) children under five served under the polio Immunization programs; 3) youth and young adults for HIV/AIDS control; and 4) pro-democracy local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Key Results: Through the health program, USAID has supported good governance in public health institutions. Using USAID funding and technical support provided by BASICS, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) plus the logistical and material support of UNICEF, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo successfully planned, and in the midst of an ongoing war, implemented a national polio vaccination campaign which reached over 85% of the country's estimated 10.2 million children age 0-five years. The national polio vaccination campaign covered 299 of the 306 health zones plus Kinshasa. Citizens have been encouraged to participate on malaria control activities, which include an initiative to improve surveillance and response to disease. Malaria control activities are implemented in collaboration with the BASICS II project, which has introduced sound policies and practices into the health care delivery system.
Performance and Prospects: With the implementation of the Lusaka Accord, USAID will position itself to respond swiftly to opportunities in support of the Accord. The FY2001 program will expand upon the success of these programs and focus on three objectives: 1) improve child survival, HIV/AIDS control and prevention; 2) support good governance and promote the rule of law; and 3) strengthen constituencies for conservation, sustainable natural resources management and bio-diversity.
Employing the USAID AIDSMARK program with Population Services International (PSI), aggressive behavior change and condom social marketing strategies were initiated targeting young adults, commercial sex workers and other high-risk groups. The AIDSMARK program helped to sell over five million condoms in one year and sponsored behavioral change meetings in which over 54,000 young people between the ages of 12 to 25 participated. With the resumption of assistance to the School of Public Health within the University of Kinshasa, the health human capacity base that develops and implements public health policy has increased. Over 20 medical directors and administrators are trained annually. The faculty has taken a direct role in supporting operational research.
USAID provided material support, training and technical assistance to Congolese non-government civil society advocacy groups. USAID resources complemented other donor contributions to permit a series of structured meetings and resultant reports aimed at the articulation of goals and strategies for achieving peace in the Congo. Some of the activities implemented through the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) include the operation of a resource center where reference materials are freely available and where two internet sites facilitate research on democracy, law, human rights and governance. Seminars have been held on the role of woman in elections and the election process.
Despite the war, the environmental protection and natural resources management program has made important advances. Key actors in NGOs, government, the media and the private sector have been identified and a coordination of efforts has begun. Financial investment by outside constituencies in Congo's environmental, NRM and conservation efforts is being encouraged. Steps have been put in place for reconnaissance missions supported by USAID to field data for national and international databases on climate change, conservation or forestry and plans are being made to engage USAID and other partners to review key environmental and NRM laws and regulations. In addition, small producer associations involved in palm oil rehabilitation have been contacted for participation in an input support program.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: The present strategic objective will be modified and a new strategy will be developed based on the successes of the three intermediate results.
Other Donor Programs: The DRC National Immunization Day program, UNICEF and the World Health Organization/Africa Regional Office (WHO/AFRO) were major immunization program partners. The U.S. program collaborates with a broad spectrum of organizations and citizen groups. Constant communication and exchange of information occurs directly with other donors such as Great Britain, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the United Nations Development Program. The United States is among the major bilateral donors, ranking second after Belgium.
Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Implementing partners are UNICEF and WHO/AFRO. Technical contractors include Development Associates International and Basic Support for Institutionalizing Child Survival. Tulane University is the major partner in reestablishing the Kinshasa School of Public Health. Population Services International is the main partner for the HIV/AIDS prevention program. Other partners are IFES for election assistance, the Law Group and numerous international humanitarian response NGOs, (e.g., Catholic Relief Services, the International Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders).
Selected Performance Measures: None were developed during program conception, due to the high uncertainty in the country, the ongoing conflict and the lack of baseline data. Nonetheless, the program has surpassed all expectations as described above under the key results section including:
85% polio vaccination coverage, up from a low of 15% prior to 1999

Sale of over five million condoms and social awareness training of over 54,000 youth

Over 20 medical directors and administrators are trained annually at the School of Public Health

Initiation and ongoing operations of Documentation Center and Internet access for research on human rights, rule of law and elections;

Plans put in place to obtain NRM baseline data and investment in environment by private NGOs.

U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)

ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
TITLE AND NUMBER: Improve Child Health and Infectious Disease Control, 660-XXX
PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $0
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $9,786,000 (CSD), $300,000 (DFA)
STATUS: New
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2001 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2005
Summary: Although USAID and other donors health programs have seen great successes in the DRC, it is still ranked as having one of the highest rates of infectious diseases. National immunization coverage is very low (measles vaccinations in 1999 was 15%). Infant mortality, estimated to be 148 per 1,000 live births in 1995, is worse now due to decreased vaccination coverage and a general decline in the health care system. Polio remains a serious threat for the DRC and malaria is a major health problem for children and pregnant women. Outdated treatment policies and diagnostic tools, increasing resistance of the malaria parasite, inadequate self-treatment, and poor vector control overwhelm health facilities. Congo is among 22 countries most affected by tuberculosis (TB) with approximately 150,000 new infections each year. Although contagious, only one third of the cases are diagnosed. Most cases occur in the most productive age of the population (15-49) but in spite of effective drugs, only half of the detected cases are cured. Public health laboratories are inadequate and community outreach is poor. The HIV prevalence rate in the DRC is estimated to be 6-8%, and is among the highest in the world. Rates in some cities have increased because of: 1) movements of refugees and soldiers; 2) unscreened blood transfusions, especially for children with malaria; 3) limited availability of condoms outside of Kinshasa; and 4) deterioration of the health care system.
Disease surveillance in the Congo is poor but periodic outbreaks indicate active transmission of polio, cholera, Marburg virus, monkey pox, tuberculosis, malaria, dysentery, bubonic plague, HIV and other infectious diseases. Baseline data is lacking for important diseases such as HIV, measles, tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases. Preventive (i.e. immunizations and disease control) health programs are not seen as a basic role of the health care system, limiting the integration of prevention strategies.
Through a well-focused program, USAID has supported good governance in public health institutions and encouraged citizens' participation. The program focuses on: a) enhancing child survival through the primary health care system and the eradication of polio; b) control and prevention of STD/HIV/AIDS; and c) rehabilitation of health delivery systems. Polio eradication and malaria control activities are implemented in collaboration with the BASICS project. Employing the USAID AIDSMARK program with Population Services International (PSI), aggressive behavior change and condom social marketing strategies were initiated, targeting young people, commercial sex workers and other high-risk groups. USAID provided technical and material support through Tulane University to establish a School of Public Health within the University of Kinshasa to increase the health human capacity base. With the departure of USAID in 1991, assistance to the school ceased. In FY 1999, USAID restarted support to the School of Public Health by training health delivery personnel and providing, equipment, books and materials. USAID not only supported the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to investigate two outbreaks of hemorraghic fever but also helped assure CDC's success in the occupied territories where the outbreak occurred.
Key Results: USAID child survival activities have been highly visible and highly successful. USAID funding has provided and technical support through BASICS, CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO); and logistical and material support through UNICEF. A successfully planned and implemented national polio vaccination campaign reached over 85% of the country's estimated 10.2 million children age 0-60 months in the in the midst of an ongoing war. The national polio vaccination campaign covered 299 of the 306 health zones plus Kinshasa. There were instances of military forces from all sides facilitating and supporting the campaign. The AIDSMARK program helped to sell over five million condoms and sponsored behavioral change meetings in which over 54,000 young people between the ages of 12 to 25 participated. Since the restarting of support to the School of Public Health, over 20 medical directors and administrators are trained annually. The faculty has also taken a direct role in supporting operational research.
Performance and Prospects: The highly successful child survival and HIV/AIDS control activities will be expanded to all provinces. The capacity of national and non-governmental institutions will be strengthened. USAID will support the eradication of polio, and will position itself to respond to epidemics and outbreaks of rare and infectious diseases. It will support an expanded program for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, targeting youths and people living with HIV/AIDS while providing assistance to develop critically needed base line data.
USAID will build on the successful immunization program for the eradication of polio and control of other childhood diseases through grants to WHO, BASICS, UNICEF and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). It will focus on reducing child mortality, as measured by increased immunization coverage and reduced deaths due to malaria. It will improve tuberculosis detection and treatment practices, as measured by an increase in cases detected. It will strengthen surveillance and integration of public health practice, as measured by the establishment of baseline data. At the same time, USAID will continue support to the School of Public Health to train health professionals and introduce improved connectivity and communications technology. USAID will support a program to controls the rate of increase in HIV infections through behavior change activities among high-risk groups and limit transmission from pregnant women to their unborn children. Support will be provided to people living with HIV/AIDS. The program will also invest in the application of communication and information technology to improve management of health programs.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: If the conflict were to cease, USAID's proposed program would be expanded to all provinces in the DRC. The health intermediate result will be converted into a strategic objective.
Other Donor Programs: The European Union provides support to the School of Public Health. UNICEF and WHO are key partners in the effort to eradicate polio. Belgium provides support for the HIV/AIDS program and provides medications for a STD treatment clinic.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID's primary activities are conducted through UNICEF, WHO, Population Services International, Catholic Relief Services, Tulane University, Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Disease Control.
Selected Performance Measures: Baseline data established for infectious diseases including tuberculosis, malaria, measles and diarrheal diseases.

Immunization coverage increased from 18% to at least 65%.

Increase tuberculosis case detection to 50% of cases.

Tracking a minimum of two infectious diseases and improve treatment policies (practices) for TB, diarrhea diseases, malaria and improved nutrition in at least 30 surveillance sites

Key high-risk groups targeting for behavior change initiatives in HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)

ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
TITLE AND NUMBER: Good Governance and Rule of Law Promoted with Emphasis on Multi-stakeholder Problem Solving, 660-XXX
PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $0
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $1,500,000 (DFA)
STATUS: New
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2001; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 2005
Summary: USAID's objective in democracy and good governance seeks to mitigate Congo's crisis of political exclusion and weak governance institutions. The program is focused on three objectives: 1) strengthening basic governance institutions and non-government organizations (NGOs) that respond to citizens' civic and legal interest; 2) implementation of activities that improve human rights and judicial processes; and 3) support to conflict avoidance and management through stakeholder negotiations. In conformance with Brooke Amendment restrictions on assistance to the Government of the DRC (GDRC), USAID is in partnership with civil society groups and international NGOs to implement the program. USAID support to the International Foundation for Election Assistance (IFES) assists in providing open access to information to the population at large. IFES is engaged in training activities on the role of women in a democracy, elections and peaceful democratic change. Through a grant to IFES and the Law Group, a program has been initiated to raise citizens' awareness of their human rights.
Key Results:Through USAID and other programs, a well-informed peace building NGO network has been established. Documentation Centers providing legal and peace building information in and beyond Kinshasa and Internet access have been opened and are flourishing. IFES and the Law Group are also implementing a program to support the judicial process and improve the rule of law. Through USAID/OTI, dialogue is promoted between civil society and local justice officials. USAID initiatives have provided assistance to ease critical bottlenecks in the transport network (such as repair of roads and bridges), health delivery facilities, and control of erosion and sanitation facilities in Kinshasa and other local communities.
Performance and Prospects: In FY2001, the democracy and good governance program will build on the successful on-going program by continuing to support the development of democratic institutions, improvement in human rights and the judicial process. The peace process will be supported through conflict management and conflict avoidance. Swift implementation of the Lusaka Accord will be actively encouraged and supported with USAID resources. The Office of the Facilitator for the Inter-Congolese Dialogue will be supported. USAID will continue to support the capacity of Congolese civil society to promote dialogue with the government and other key actors and actively participate in Congo's democratic transition. If support to the GRDC is permitted, on-going efforts to strengthen civil society will be complemented by a program to support the justice system. Assistance will focus on reconciliation, strengthening national and provincial judicial systems and promoting elections for democratic change. To strengthen democratic processes and institutions, USAID will assist in providing open access to information on DRC's transition processes. Based on experience and best practices gained from other African countries, engagement of the GDRC authorities will be encouraged; and, efforts towards a participatory political transition and public/civic education will be expanded. In the event of a full implementation of the Lusaka Accord, USAID is poised to expand its support for the development and strengthening of national democratic institutions.
In order to strengthen human rights and improve judicial processes, USAID will increase the capacity of Congolese human rights NGOs for coalition building, advocacy, information development and dissemination, litigation and representation. Strong links between Kinshasa-based human rights organizations and those operating in the provinces will be encouraged. Greater impact of NGOs throughout Congo will be emphasized to raise the awareness of the Congolese public with respect to human rights, and the various means for seeking redress of violations. Through USAID support to IFES and the Law Group, availability and responsiveness of NGOs' capacity to provide access to legal services to individuals and groups will be increased. Collegial and collaborative working relationships between human rights NGOs and their public sector counterparts will be strengthened. Also, there will be increased involvement of human rights and rule of law NGOs in articulating the reforms needed in the justice sector. In conflict avoidance and management, USAID will work through stakeholders. Activities will be directed toward supporting public/civic education efforts and increasing public participation in civil society organizations. The objective is to increase understanding and participation in peace processes at local, provincial and national levels and to promote a culture conducive to peace and democratization. Implementation of the Lusaka Accord will be actively supported through assistance to the Office of the Facilitator, development of related initiatives and other interventions in close collaboration with the Office of the Secretary General's Representative, the U.S. Embassy, USAID and other major international donors.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: The present intermediate result will be expanded into a strategic objective. If support to the GDRC is permitted, limited targeted assistance will be provided to support the Justice Ministry, and its program for judicial reform, elections and democratic institutions.
Other Donor Programs: U.S. contribution of $8.330 million (DA and ESF Great Lakes Justice Initiative) is currently providing the largest assistance to support the rule of law and human rights in the DRC. Through a grant from UNDP, the Justice Ministry has undertaken a detailed assessment of its needs. Italy will support the development of an official journal and France will assist in the development of documentation centers. USAID and Belgium support the Circle of Justice program.
Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: A consortium, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the International Law Group (Law Group).
Selected Performance Measures:

Ratification of human rights covenants and/or treaties;

Enabling and empowering legislation for NGOs, especially human rights NGOs;

Increased rate of NGO activity in non-urban areas;

Increased media coverage of human rights issues;

Judicial cooperation with non-governmental legal services activity;

Successful defense of the accused by non-governmental defense.

U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)

ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
TITLE AND NUMBER: Constituencies for Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management Strengthened, 660-XXX
PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $0
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $1,300,000 (DFA)
STATUS: New
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 2001 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2005
Summary: Environmental problems, such as erosion and solid waste pollution plague the cities of the DRC. Aside from mining and logging, the development of natural resource-based industries has been severely hampered by decades of mismanagement and conflict. Policies concerning access to and control over natural resources are antiquated and ambiguous. Encroachment into national parks and protected areas, and destruction of their infrastructure, have become serious local and national issues. The conflict has encouraged outright large-scale deforestation, pillage and depletion of DRC's vast equatorial forests and natural resources. In the rebel-held areas, the outside powers are pillaging resources for profit and to finance their armies.
The objective of USAID's proposed environment program is to tap into and strengthen existing constituencies for conservation, sustainable management of natural resource and bio-diversity. Strengthening the constituencies has improved the environmental sanitation of Kinshasa in the short-term, while overhauling the policies and laws governing natural resources management (NRM) and bio-diversity will improve medium-term prospects for sustainable management of Congo's natural resources.
Key Results: Despite the war and its adverse effects on the environment, key advances have been made. USAID has provided resources to support environmental health activities such as removal of solid waste, dredging canals, and reforestation in Kinshasa. Other advances include: 1) identification of key actors in civil society, government, media and private sector; 2) development of two proposals for agroforestry projects with potential private sector partners; and 3) inclusion of a strategy to integrate health monitoring (epidemiology), hydro-geography, and community mobilization in the environmental health program.
Performance and Prospects: In FY2001, the proposed environmental program will maintain the same objective of building constituencies for sustainable management of Congo's natural resources through community participation. The program will be expanded to include local governments with a focus on decentralization, and eventually integrate USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and OTI activities in flood relief, erosion control and environmental health. The program seeks a model of more efficient and participatory decentralized management of urban environmental services and joint ventures between the private and public sectors. Micro enterprises such as in rubbish removal will be encouraged and supported.
The program builds upon ongoing activities to strengthen civil society engaged in environmental conservation. One of USAID's key partners in the environmental sector, the Central African Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE), is focusing on environmental education, policy review, NRM, and strengthening environmental and conservation institutions. A strategy for linking epidemiological monitoring, scientific assessment of canal infrastructure and community-based NRM will be developed in order to move beyond responding to catastrophes to helping solve structural problems.
A central element of the program will bring awareness of environmental issues facing the Congolese nation forward as an important step in strengthening constituencies for environmental advocacy. Local media and the Internet will also be used to reach regional and international constituencies. When possible, CARPE partners will extend activities into rural areas and protected areas, in collaboration with existing USAID-Congo DG partners such as IFES and OTI field offices. CARPE's lead partner, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is planning to open an office that will become an environmental resource center in collaboration with the World Bank and EU-sponsored PRGIE and local NGOs. CARPE's and USAID's web sites will be used to communicate information on DRC's environmental issues, including partner reports and results. Increasingly, the internet will be the key tool for dissemination of information about the environment in the Congo.
Through USAID support to the agro-forestry sector, small producers associations and the private sector are provided inputs, such as micro credit to help in the rehabilitation of palm oil production in provinces near Kinshasa. In FY2001, the proposed program will expand to include producers of other products, such as cocoa, near protected areas or logging concessions. This activity will engage potential rural constituencies, such as, "farm" owners, church parish development groups, and the private sector that depends on agro-forestry productivity for sustainable NRM.
Over the next two years, the agroforestry sites and products will expand. Work at these sites will be linked to reforms in environmental governance (e.g., land tenure) and improved NRM practices. Ongoing small-scale agroforestry projects sponsored by church and civic organizations, and small holders will be supported through an amplified micro-credit program.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: If peace breaks out in the DRC, activities in this sector will be expanded beyond the current three provinces. The existing intermediate result will be expanded into a strategic objective.
Other Donor Programs: The German Technical Cooperation Agency supports the Congolese Conservation Institute (ICCN) and urban environmental activities through the NGO network FOLECO. The UN Foundation approved a $4.6 million project to support DRC's World Heritage Sites. The Catholic Relief Services, with USAID funding, is the major donor and implementer of disaster relief activities including anti-erosion and flood control. The Wildlife Conservation Society funds research and support Protected Areas in the DRC through the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit at the Bronx Zoo.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Associates in Rural Development
Selected Performance Measures:

Financial investment by outside constituencies in Congo's environmental, NRM and conservation efforts doubled;

At least three reconnaissance missions supported by USAID provide field data for national and international databases on climate change, conservation or forestry;

USAID partners assist in review of key environmental and NRM laws and regulations;

At least 20 small producer associations actively involved in palm oil rehabilitation or other agroforestry activities;

Key environmental constituencies have Internet access

U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)

Last Updated on: December 29, 2000