The Democratic Republic of Congo has established its national nutrition platform by Decree of the Prime Minister

On 21 December 2015, following deliberation in the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister, Head of Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), His Excellency Augustin Matata Ponyo Mapon, signed a decree creating, organizing and defining the operation of the National Multisectoral Nutrition Committee (CNMN).

This body, under the Prime Minister’s authority, brings together over a dozen ministers (Health; Agriculture; Planning; Gender, Family and Child; Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity; Budget; Finance; Primary and Higher Education; Labour and Social Security). It is charged with consulting with those involved in nutrition and orienting them towards the government’s objectives.

To this end, it is assisted in its functions by:

– a technical committee of multi-stakeholder experts (representatives of the aforementioned governmental sectors, civil society, private sector, representatives of United Nations agencies) in charge of preparing its meetings

– a permanent secretariat, chaired by the SUN Focal Point that also advises the Prime Minister on sociocultural issues

– an executive secretariat, which is placed under the authority of the Ministries of Health and Agriculture.

This decree confirms the willingness of the DRC to combat malnutrition, a national priority given its morbidity, its mortality and its negative impacts on education, the learning skills of young children and productivity in adult life.

Over the months ahead, the DRC will work towards operationalizing this multisectoral coordination system, with partners’ support.

See the decree