The Congolese government, along with several partners, has launched the GC7 project to fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria will provide funding amounting to €90.4 million.
In the conference hall of a prominent hotel, Gilbert Mokoki, Minister of Health, unveiled this three-year project in the presence of various partners such as the Global Fund, UNDP, and Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
The funding allocated is expected to support an additional 85,000 people living with HIV/AIDS and 27,000 individuals suffering from tuberculosis. Furthermore, it will facilitate the distribution of at least 4 million mosquito nets to combat malaria, the leading cause of mortality in Congo-B.
“Malaria spares no one, from the youngest to the oldest; although women and children bear the heaviest burden. It affects everyone, and combating malaria should be a collective effort,” affirmed Dr. Antoine Loussambou, Director of the National Malaria Control Program.
According to Dr. Antoine Loussambou, malaria prevention begins with sanitation: “The fight against malaria is primarily preventive. Treatment comes after. It is essential for African and Congolese citizens to understand that by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings, they are combating malaria,” he advised.
Officially, until 2023, the Global Fund has provided €200 million to combat these three diseases in Congo-B.