Democratic Republic of Congo
In Democratic Republic of Congo, Helen Keller Intl partners with the Ministry of Health to build a healthier future for children and women. Since 2021, we’ve worked to address high infant mortality, chronic malnutrition affecting nearly three-quarters of children, and anemia in more than half of pregnant women—by expanding vitamin A and micronutrient supplementation, improving health coverage and quality of care, and strengthening food systems, small enterprises, and water and sanitation.
61% of children suffer from vitamin A deficiency, impacting health, vision, and immunity.
Many mothers and caregivers are not aware of the importance of vitamin A for their children.
3.9 million children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished.
Together, we help communities create lasting change by:
Supporting the government in implementing vitamin A campaigns by mobilizing community health workers, reaching at least 80% of children under the age of 5.
Training healthcare heroes to go door-to-door to educate about how vitamin A can protect children’s health and sight.
Prioritizing the first 1,000 days from conception to age 2, including malnutrition treatment, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support.
Last year, we helped millions build lasting change
Reached more than 10.8 million children—96% of children under the age of 5—with 2 doses of vitamin A across 13 provinces.
87% of households are educated about the advantages of vitamin A supplementation.
Reached more than 500,000 pregnant women with multiple micronutrient supplements and nutrition counseling.
Number of staff: 29
Office opened: 2021
People reached annually: 11.7M
Operating budget: $8.5M
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Our work in Democratic Republic of Congo is supported by:
GiveWell, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Vitamin Angels, iDE, UNICEF