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Country Program Materials
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USAID/DR Congo Links
USAID/DR
Congo Mission
www.usaid.gov/cg Mission Director:
Local Address:
- 198 Isiro Avenue
Kinshasa / Gombe
DR Congo
Tel: 243-81-700-5701
Fax: 243-880-3274
From the US:
- USAID
American Emabassy Kinshasa
Unit 31550
APO AE 09828
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USAID's Strategy in DR Congo The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is moving, slowly
and haltingly, towards reunification of the country, national
elections, and the end of conflicts involving both external
and internal parties. However, the depth of poverty and the
scale of need in the DRC remain enormous, with roughly two-thirds
of the population living in rural areas and ensnared by desperate
poverty. This poverty manifests itself in extremely low incomes
and purchasing power, abysmal access to and availability of
fundamental health services, and a near total lack of basic
education. The capital, Kinshasa, with an estimated eight
million people, already is dangerously overcrowded, with most
people lacking access to basic services. A U.N. human development
report in 2002 ranks DRC, with a population of 55 million,
as 155 out of 173 countries. U.S. national interests in the DRC are to: promote democratic
systems and practices; resolve regional conflicts; assist
refugees and victims; promote economic growth in developing
and transitional economies; and promote international health.
The reduction of poverty, conflict and despair will lessen
the likelihood of the region serving as a breeding ground
for recruits into terrorist activities. Improved regional
stability and economic growth will facilitate progress in
the global war on terrorism. Reducing the rate of transmission
of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases and improving health
status in the region will diminish the risk of further economic
disruption, political disintegration, impoverishment and conflict.
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