World Bank approves $1 billion for health, education in Congo
The
World Bank said on Tuesday it had approved $1 billion in funding for
Democratic Republic of Congo's education and health systems that have
been weakened by years of under-funding, conflict and mismanagement.
The
financing comprises $800 million to support free primary school
education and $200 million to improve maternal and child health.
"This
funding is all the more important because it will help alleviate the
economic and social consequences of the coronavirus affecting the
poorest," said Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank country director.
The funding includes $435 million in grants and $565 million in credit.
Congo
has had 4,974 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 112 deaths
and the outbreak has added to the strain on the country's fragile health
and education systems.
After
taking office in January 2019, President Felix Tshisekedi had vowed to
make universal free education one of his priorities, but development
agencies say there has been little sign of progress
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