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Spirulina For Congo

This project aims to start the production of spirulina algae, an important nutritional supplement, with the goal of providing a long-term solution to combat acute malnutrition in children and anemia in women of childbearing age.

How the project was born

The idea for this project was born in 2020, during the pandemic, which created a serious emergency in the country. Lockdowns put many families at risk, whose survival was tied to informal work typical of these areas of the world. In a short time, the number of people suffering from severe malnutrition increased from 15 million to 27 million. Therefore, it was decided to launch a project that would contribute, at least in part, to systematically and not sporadically addressing the malnutrition caused by food emergencies in the country.

THE CONTEXT

The project primarily targets the most vulnerable populations in the Mont Ngafula municipality and the Saya neighborhood, areas on the outskirts of Kinshasa that are rapidly expanding uncontrollably, with shacks and very precarious houses being built. These are very poor areas lacking healthcare services, where malnutrition is a widespread issue.

KG OF ESTIMATED PRODUCTION EACH YEAR
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CHILDREN AND WOMEN TO BE SUPPORTED EVERY YEAR
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Project Phases

The project involves the construction of a facility with photobioreactors and a laboratory for the production and packaging of spirulina algae. The production will be managed by a cooperative of 5 young women in vulnerable conditions, aiming to provide them with a pathway towards autonomy. Once production is up and running, part of the spirulina will be distributed for free to the most vulnerable, while the rest will be sold to cover production costs and ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.

In 2022, the project officially began with the construction of a well to provide the clean water necessary for algae production. By the end of July 2023, work started on the laboratory and facility construction. In spring 2024, the bioreactors and other equipment arrived in Congo and were installed in the laboratory and greenhouse. The young women responsible for the project have been trained. Spirulina production has started, and in the coming months, the distribution will begin alongside a comprehensive program in partnership with the University of Kinshasa and St. Jerome Hospital, which will highlight and certify the importance of the product in the fight against malnutrition.

The Impact

The project will directly impact the most vulnerable segments of the local population, particularly children and women facing severe malnutrition. It will significantly reduce malnutrition-related health issues, which have serious consequences, including cognitive delays and disabilities.

Partners

8xmille Stato Italiano

Corpus Sana
Architettura senza Frontiere
Università di Kinshasa
PNLS – Programma Nazionale Multisettoriale di Lotta contro l’AIDS
Ospedale St. Jérôme, Kinshasa
Progetto Luigi Guida

The total cost of the project is 318 950 €.

Only €34,000 are still needed to reach the goal!

Donate Now for the Spirulina For Congo Project