26-08-2025 | di COOPI

Kwango, DRC. Shielding children amid the nutrition crisis

Since late 2024, the province of Kwango, in western Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been facing a severe health crisis. In the Panzi area, a flu outbreak has coincided with a surge in malaria cases and widespread food insecurity. Children under the age of five, particularly vulnerable, are the hardest hit. COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale, with the support of UNICEF, is implementing the “Emergency response to the nutritional crisis in children under 5 in the health zones of Feshi, Panzi, Kenge and Popokabaka to improve access to basic health services in Kwango province, DRC”. The project aims to strengthen prevention, screening, and treatment of malnutrition.

Children at risk in a strained system

On the ground, teams are witnessing a significant rise in child malnutrition. In some communities, nearly one in five children is affected. Families, often displaced or living in remote villages, struggle to access healthcare. Medical facilities are poorly equipped, and the delivery of medication remains a challenge. Despite this, local health workers show remarkable dedication in a system already under pressure.

Local mobilization and sustainable action with community stakeholders

COOPI works hand in hand with the local health authorities, health professionals and community relays. In each village, volunteers (community relays) are trained to spot the first signs of malnutrition. Mothers and childminders, who are now at the heart of malnutrition management, learn to measure their children's arm circumference using an easy-to-use coloured bracelet (MUAC). In the event of an alert, they can take them quickly to the health centre or to the CAC.

In the most remote villages, care is provided closer to home by mobile treatment points at community health centres (SSCs) or community outreach centres (CACs). The children receive an enriched therapeutic food, distributed free of charge, which enables them to regain their weight within a few weeks. The aim is to avoid serious complications and reduce the need for hospitalisation. Each stage of the process is designed to reduce distances and obstacles, building on existing local community dynamics.

The project also relies on close collaboration with families and local authorities to build skills and ensure long-term involvement. The aim of this approach is to make the actions undertaken sustainable and to encourage lasting change in prevention and care practices within the communities.

Prevention through education and nutrition

But the fight against malnutrition goes beyond treatment. Families are supported in improving children’s diets using locally available foods. Cooking demonstrations are held within communities to teach how to prepare healthy, balanced meals. Mothers’ groups meet regularly to share best practices on breastfeeding, hygiene, and early childhood development.

This intervention aims not only to respond to the emergency, but also to build lasting solutions. By relying on the strength of families, local volunteers, and dedicated healthcare professionals, COOPI will continue working alongside local stakeholders to sustainably improve access to nutrition prevention and care in Kwango province.

Present in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1977, COOPI has carried out 370 projects that have helped more than 15 million people. In 2024, COOPI is managing 19 projects in six regions of the country, helping more than 430,000 people in a context marked by conflict, instability and insufficient basic services. The organisation is involved in food security, the fight against malnutrition and the protection of the most vulnerable, with a particular focus on women and children who are victims of violence, offering them assistance, psychosocial support and reintegration projects.