KINSHASA -- On Nov. 21, 2014, USAID launched a new health project to Support International Family Planning Organizations (SIFPO) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project aims to improve mother and child health through activities including family planning, HIV/AIDS, diarrhea treatment, and water and sanitation.

SIFPO will promote healthier behaviors and support the distribution of life-saving products including water purifiers, contraceptives, and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) plus zinc for diarrhea treatment.

SIFPO aligns with the DRC Acceleration Framework to Reduce Child and Maternal Mortality (CAO), and with the DRC National Health Development Plan (PNDS).

“On the eve of the assessment of the MDG (Millennium Development Goals) next year, we believe that SIFPO will be an additional asset to gain points in reducing poverty through the implementation of our National Health Development Plan as set by the DRC Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers,” said Mukengeshayi Kupa, General Secretary of Health.

The project targets Kinshasa and other main cities in Katanga, North and South Kivu, Kasai Oriental, Kasai Occidental and Oriental Provinces.