Rapid development in DRC
In 2018, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had the second highest number of malaria cases and deaths worldwide (12% of cases and 11% of deaths) and 54.6% of cases in Central Africa.
In 2018, malaria was among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in DRC, accounting for 44% of all outpatient visits and 22% of deaths. The highest levels of transmission are observed in areas located in the north and center of the country.
La Maison de l’Artemisia launched activities in DRC in Lubile in 2015
A national association, La Maison de l’Artemisia DRC, was created and its mission is to supervise the sustainable distribution of Artemisia in the Democratic Republic of Congo according to an ethical charter (environmentally, economically and socially responsible).
To achieve this mission, La Maison de l’Artemisia DRC is committed to:
- Developing and structuring the Artemisia supply chain, from cultivation to distribution, according to the principles of the social and solidarity economy while guaranteeing quality in a sustainable manner in order to increase resilience of vulnerable communities to malaria by more than 75%;
- Organizing agronomic and medical training according to scientific data;
- Organizing outreach programs for vulnerable populations who live far from health centers;
- Continued contribution to scientific studies and research on the virtues of Artemisia and other medicinal plants;
- Developing lobbying of local and national authorities for the recognition of Artemisia as a first line treatment against malaria.
DRC in rapid development with dynamic and key players
11 new Houses of Artemisia have been created and are currently in the process of being structured. The National Coordination of Houses of Artemisia has an office in Kinshasa.
- Approximately 25 tons of dry matter are processed annually by the 5 processing units with about 90% of dry matter coming from Artemisia annua.
- 650 people have been trained and coached in good agricultural practices and master all stages of the production of herbal tea.
- 410 people have signed the ethical charter for membership of La Maison de l’Artemisia.
- Development of communication campaigns: video of herbal tea preparation in 3 national languages (Lingala, Kinkongo, Swahili), numerous conferences, TV and radio programs, press articles, web articles.
- Partnership agreements are being developed between the Institute of Research in Health Sciences (IRSS-RDC), the Center for Research and Action in Public Health of the Kongo University (CRASP-UK) to accompany La Maison de l’Artemisia DRC in the fight for the recognition of the properties of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra herbal teas in the curative treatment of uncomplicated malaria in patients living in malaria endemic areas.
Houses of Artemisia are currently located in 15 provinces
Kinshasa, Kongo Central, Kwilu, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Haut- Katanga, Lualaba, Kasaï Central, Kasaï Orientale, Kasaï, Sankuru, Lomami, Haute Uélé, Maniema, Haut-Lomami.
