Advancing Social Marketing for Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Programmatic Quarterly Report January – March 2011

The report covers the period from January to March 2011. The program aims to improve the health status of the Congolese people by increasing the use of effective health products, services, and behaviors in the areas of HIV/AIDS/STI, family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH), maternal and child health (MCH), and water and sanitation. The program has four main objectives: increasing the supply and diversity of health products and services, increasing awareness and demand for health products and services, developing the ability of commercial/private sector entities to socially market health products and services, and integrating service delivery and other activities. During the reporting period, significant progress was made in achieving the program's objectives. A total of 4,461,744 male condoms were distributed in targeted health zones, with 169,755 cycles of Duofem, 53,130 injectables, 305 IUDs, 656 Cycle Beads, and 22 Jadelle distributed to women of reproductive age. Additionally, 27,056 CYPs (customer year points) were generated by the FP products distribution, and 1,868 Clean Delivery Kits were distributed. The program also conducted a wholesaler evaluation, which led to the establishment of a list of selected distributors. A tender was issued for the production of integrated sales materials, and an assessment was conducted in Katanga, Sud Kivu, and the two Kasaïs to identify "junction points" where bikers will be supplied and the distribution network that will be used to supply rural and underserved health zones. In terms of HIV/AIDS/STI, a quantity of 10,531,665 male condoms was available in warehouses throughout the six targeted sites at the beginning of the quarter. During the quarter, 15,003,000 Prudence male condoms were received, and 4,179,600 were shipped to Katanga, Sud Kivu, Kasaï Occidental, and Kasaï Oriental provinces. At the end of the quarter, there were 20,008,821 Prudence male condoms in PSI/ASF's warehouses throughout all the targeted sites. The program also prepared for the launch of the existing PRUDENCE male condom with scent and color, which is intended to improve youth targeting. Samples of different condoms have been ordered and are expected to be received in DRC in May 2011. Overall, the program made significant progress in achieving its objectives during the reporting period, and the distribution of health products and services continued to increase.