Lessons from a 45-Days Intervention in the Eastern DRC

This 'value for money' report from Solidarites International identifies several lessons learnt from the completion of ‘Alert 194 DRC (Cholera)’ and highlights the fundamental value about the impact of the Start Fund for the response.

Solidarites International published a manifesto to raise awareness on the alarming situation with and raised an alert to the international community and donors. It was supported by the Start Fund from 20 October onwards, which can provide funds within 72 hours after the allocation decision, thus allowing great reactivity and quick deployment in both Masisi and Kirotshe Health Zone s (Rubaya, Ngungu, Bweremana, Kihindo, Shasha, Sake and Nyabiondo health areas).

This was a vital element of success that enabled Solidarites International to launch a 45 days (6 weeks) response very rapidly and prevent the further spread of the vibrio to other villages. Five days after obtaining the funds, the first activities started with local and regional health actors after a rapid assessment to select the priority areas where the epidemiological data showed highest risks.