EU grants €1.99 million to boost health services in conflict zones

The EU has given €1.99 million (US $2.16 million) to three NGOs in the Republic of Congo (ROC) to improve health services over a period of 18 months in zones affected by civil war, the EU announced on 7 February from the capital, Brazzaville. Specifically, the initiative seeks to improve access to and quality of health services, as well as to promote basic hygiene education in three regions affected by recent conflict. Niari Region in southwestern ROC will be handled by the Italian-based NGO, Alisei; the French section of Medecins Sans Frontieres will handle Likouala Region, also in southwestern ROC, and the Pool Region in southeastern ROC will be handled by the US-based NGO, International Rescue Committee. The money will be used to support new programmes as well as programmes already in place. The objective of the programme is an overall improvement in health care available to affected populations in each of these regions. Results of the programmes will be assessed on ensuing statistics on such areas as decreases in malnutrition, mortality, and malarial infection, and increases in vaccination coverage.