2004 AMBASSADOR'S FUND FOR REFUGEES

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001179

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR PRM/AFR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF CG
SUBJECT: 2004 AMBASSADOR'S FUND FOR REFUGEES

REF: STATE 04483


1. (U) Embassy Kinshasa nominates the following two programs
for inclusion in the Ambassador's Fund for Refugees:


COOPI (Cooperazione Internazionale)

COOPI is a well-established Italian NGO which has been
providing humanitarian assistance in the DRC since the
1970's. COOPI's proposal consists of buying medicines
necessary to provide health care to Congolese refugees
returning to Equateur Province from The Republic of Congo
(ROC). The project seeks funding for the area of Libenge, in
the district of South Ubangi. UNHCR estimates that many of
the 80,000 Congolese refugees that remain in ROC will start
repatriation later in 2004. However, there is almost no
infrastructure in place to receive them. In this context,
COOPI's project will serve to prepare urgently needed medical
assistance for returning refugees in a region that has been
largely ignored by international NGO's. Specific information
on this project:

- COOPI estimates that this project will benefit up to 4,000
refugees in the Libenge health area, including 2000 returning
from the Molange Camp.
- COOPI is requesting $20,000.00 of which $16,820 will be
used to buy medicines and other medical supplies. The
remaining $3,180 will be used for the transport of these
medical supplies.
- COOPI already has the health centers and medical personnel
to provide health care to returning refugees.
- COOPI estimates that it will take two months to accomplish
this project.

Doctors in Catastrophe (DOC)

DOC is an international NGO which has provided health care
assistance to refugees and local Congolese in North/South
Kivu for many years. DOC's proposal consists of
rehabilitating the Kalungu Health Center (physical
infrastructure as well as medical equipment and supplies)
located 55 Kms from Goma, on the road to Bukavu. The Kivus
have a substantial number of Rwandan refugees as well as
internally displaced people in serious need of medical
assistance. Recent fighting in Bukavu has only aggravated the
already dire humanitarian situation. This project will seek
to assist Rwandan refugees that come from the forest prior to
repatriation to Rwanda. This refugee population is typically
afflicted by illnesses that reflect their displacement,
respiratory infections, gastro-enteritis, malaria and
HIV/AIDS. By providing health care prior to repatriation,
this project will allow refugees to return to their country
in a more dignified and stable situation. Specific
information on this project:

- DOC estimates that up to 18,500 people in the Kalungu
health area will benefit from this project.
- DOC is requesting $19,965.00 of which $5,600.00 will be
used for construction costs, $ 5,400.00 for transport of
logistics and medical equipment, $2,650.00 for supplies and
medical equipment, $1,800.00 for an incinerator, $1,800.00
for diesel for vehicles and a boat and $ 900.00 for other
miscellaneous costs.
- DOC will be contributing $25,500.00 to this project and WFP
will be contributing food.
- This project is expected to last three months.

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