The worldwide relief agency of the Order of Malta distributes food to IDPs and families with malnourished children

Following a series of attacks from armed rebel groups in January 2012, thousands of people have fled the Shabunda province in South Kivu, eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The displaced families had to leave their livelihoods behind to escape persecution and violence, facing food shortages that could lead to malnutrition.

The worldwide relief agency of the Order of Malta, Malteser International, has been monitoring the situation and registering the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the region. In cooperation with the World Food Programme, Malteser International is also organising food distributions to 37,500 IDPs. Families receive staple food items such as beans, cooking oil, flour and salt. The distribution is especially aimed at families with malnourished children.

In addition, Malteser International continues to support the region’s health facilities to combat malnutrition among children under five. The project also includes measures for the rehabilitation of agriculture, and aims at strengthening the self-help capacity of people to ensure food security in South Kivu.

Malteser International has been active in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1996. The Order of Malta relief agency’s programme in DR Congo also includes medical and psychosocial assistance to victims of sexual assaults, and ensuring access to clean drinking water and health care centers.