UNDP gives 22.3 million francs to prevent epidemics

The UN Development programme (UNDP) has given Caritas Congo 22.3 million francs CFA (US $41,623) to help prevent epidemics in rain-flooded districts of Mossaka and Loukolela in central Republic of the Congo. "The heavy rains that beat down on certain northern localities each year have encouraged the start of the programme," Manou de Mahoungou, secretary-general of Caritas Congo, told IRIN on Thursday. His said Caritas - a confederation of 154 Catholic relief, development and social service organisations active in 198 countries and territories - made the grant two weeks ago. The programme, financed by the UNDP under its Community Action project, aims to improve hygiene and health in flooded areas by sensitising the public to these needs in urban centres and surrounding villages. The programme, being executed by the Red Cross and Caritas, also aims to undertake dredging, improve homes and build latrines. During the floods of 1999 some 103 villages along the River Likouala and the districts of Owando, Mossaka and Loukolela in Cuvette Region were affected. Some 33,850 people abandoned their homes. The two-month programme to prevent epidemics - of cholera, malaria, diarrhoea and skin infections - being implemented with the help of the World Health Organisation - will benefit 65,000 people.