Our projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are helping tackle childhood malnutrition by working with those who care about it most – mothers.

An estimated six million children (under five) in the country suffer from chronic malnutrition, limiting both their physical and cognitive development and lifelong potential. The problem, however, begins even before a child is born, with large numbers of pregnant women suffering from anaemia due to chronic food insecurity and a lack of income.

Our partners in the field are working with the women of Miti-Mululu village to change this. They’ve already established a spirulina production facility and nutrition clinic, and are now working to scale up. Beginning in January 2021, our partners will be recruiting and training local women as spirulina specialists who can disseminate information on nutrition and basic health care within their own and neighbouring communities, as well as helping to identify cases of malnutrition and direct them to the organisation’s nutrition centre for treatment. In the second year, the women will be guided in establishing a cooperative to produce and sell spirulina products, helping provide a sustainable income and pathway out of poverty for those women and their families.

Over time, this pilot may provide a model for other communities tackling malnutrition to follow, both within the DRC and across the continent.