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UNFPA in DRC intensifies the fight against COVID-19

UNFPA in DRC intensifies the fight against COVID-19

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UNFPA in DRC intensifies the fight against COVID-19

calendar_today 07 May 2020

At the confirmation of the first cases of COVID 19 in the DRC, UNFPA promptly donated two medical ambulances to support the Government through the foundation of the First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi. The mobile clinics and many other protection equipments had been handled to the Minister of Health, Dr Eteni Longondo. Kinshasa, March 2020

While providing the Congolese government with two medical ambulances for the follow-up of contacts, evacuation of bedridden patients, awareness campaigns, inter-hospital transport of patients and supplies for the care of COVID-19, the UNFPA Representative in Kinshasa, Dr Sennen Hounton at the start of the COVID-19 response had promised in mid-April 2020 to intensify efforts through promoting the protection of health personnel working in the country’s obstetric facilities against the disease.

Government officials and UN Officials addressing obstetrical personnel at the anti-COVID 19 training. Kinshasa, April 2020. From Left: Mrs Dr Isabelle LUMBWE Isaangu( IPC commission chairperson); Dr Vital MONDONGE (Epidemiologist- WHO); Prof Steeve AHUKA (Incident Manager Riposte COVID-19); Dr Polycarpe Takou (UNFPA-DRC Humanitarian Coordinator); Dr Senen Hounton (UNFPA Resident Representative); Dr Lordfried Achu (UNFPA-DRC Reproductive Health Advisor)

Less than two weeks later, he launched alongside the country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coordinator of the Multisectoral Committee for the fight against COVID-19 in the DRC, Prof Steeve Ahuka a series of trainings aimed at developing skills and reflexes of midwives to ensure zero transmission of the virus as they carry out their noble function of assisting women to give life. Through a proactive partnership, these institutions joined forces to strengthen the capacities of essential obstetric and neonatal care providers.

On behalf of the National counterpart, Professor Ahuka said “in our response plan, the protection of caregivers occupies a very important place, because other non-Covid-19 care must continue in our health structures, including in our maternities”.

Simulation of application of anti-COVID precautions at a maternity admission point. Kinshasa, April 2020 

For a start in the capital city of Kinshasa which is the epicenter of the pandemic in DRC, about one hundred and twenty midwives working in high-risk areas will be equipped to prevent and control the infection. They are expected to adapt and improve their knowledge on strategies to fight against Covid-19 and also increase their competencies in the implementation of personal protective measures in their daily professional practice. Emphasis is also laid on   mechanisms and gestures that will create barriers to any form of COVID-19 contamination and contact with biological fluids during the care and operations leading to giving life, especially those related to childbirth, adequate monitoring of a pregnancy and preparation for safe child birth.

In addition to two mobile clinics equipped, inter alia, with artificial respirators, UNFPA provides direct support to fifty (70) maternity units in the city of Kinshasa- the epicenter of the disease.

Around Lake Kivu where the disease made a brief appearance, the UN agency strengthened the capacity of Provincial Reproductive Health Program (PNSR) to manage the increased risks of sexual violence that could result from the confinement measures put in place.

Moreover, communities of Bas-Uele province also benefited from protective equipment from UNFPA provided through MONUSCO and UNAIDS to ensure that confinement measures do not negatively impact supply chains and the provision of services for family planning and sexual and reproductive health.

The UNFPA Country office in DRC based in Kinshasa also launched aggressive community campaign and advocacy on issues of violence against women and girls in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Family and Children, Associations of women leaders and activists, with special focus on its supported Integrated Multisectoral Services Centers for the holistic management of rape survivors.

For an efficient response to COVID 19, UNFPA carried out a diligent assessment of its emergency supplies, drugs and equipments