Programme in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Map DRC When there are epidemics of water-borne diseases, and cholera in particular, most measures focus on identifying and dealing with their source, on the biological confirmation of the first cases, recovery and public education on the risks of cholera. More often than not, support teams withdraw when the rate of incidents has slowed down, only to be required to return shortly after when the epidemic raises its had again.

The ‘Uzima’ programme in DRC – named after the Swahili term for life, wellness and clean water – was started during one such cholera epidemic, to provide water treatment at household level. After this emergency response, efforts were made to establish it on a permanent footing.

Mama Uzima: health education by women

The Mama Uzima programme is led by women’s groups trained in producing active chlorine with WATA, and using it for drinking water treatment. The Mamas – health education agents – also have the role of community education on the chlorination of drinking water, working on a mouth-to-mouth, door-to-door basis, through neighbourhood meetings and on local radio.

WATASOL in DRC:

  • Treatment of contaminated water, at the point of use, with a hypochlorite sodium solution (active chlorine) purchased locally from the Uzima Committee production unit, where it is made with WATA devices.
  • Public education door-to-door, and in churches, markets and other public places, on home hygiene and with information to help households to change their water consumption behaviour.
  • Lasting reduction in cholera cases in the town of Goma, through water treatment at household level and through organising sales of chlorine.

Mama Uzima in DRC

See the WATASOL press article related with UZIMA activites :