APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold supports implementation of an integrated malaria and vector control program targeting local communities residing near the Company's mining operations in the Katanga Province, DRC and Papua Province, Indonesia. The approach includes indoor residual spraying, distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (especially to households with pregnant women and children under five), and reduction and treatment of mosquito breeding sites as a first-line strategy for preventing malaria and reducing malaria morbidity and mortality in the community. However, other important aspects that contribute to a truly integrated and effective malaria and vector control program need to be expanded in outlying communities. These include ready access to early and accurate diagnosis and effective treatment regimes and education about the causes of malaria, common symptoms and prevention.
IMPLEMENTATION, TIMELINE, AND DELIVERABLES
By 2015, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. intends to significantly increase access of the targeted populations to prompt and accurate diagnosis of malaria and subsequent treatment with an adequate and effective drug. To achieve this objective, the Company, in coordination with local government and partner NGOs, will support training and capacity building for the local government, as well as training for village health volunteers, for improved diagnosis, patient referral and treatment of malaria. A malaria school prevalence survey will be conducted annually to measure the impact of the interventions.
In addition, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. will work to support the development of reliable and sustainable supply chains for diagnostic equipment, medicine and supplies, by working with local accredited pharmaceutical distributors and health partners. The goal is for the local health posts and centers to have access to appropriate medicine in accordance with standard host country malaria treatment guidelines. Training on appropriate use of anti-malaria drugs and ways to establish cost-efficient procurement systems will also be targeted for local pharmacies and chemists.
Malaria is one of the leading preventable causes of illness and death among vulnerable populations in the DRC and Papua, Indonesia. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. conducted a malaria baseline survey of school children during May 2007 within the company's Tenke Fungurume Mining Concession in the DRC. The study showed a malaria prevalence rate of nearly 77% among school children (ages 6-12) surveyed. All public health facilities rely on clinical diagnosis due to a lack of essential equipment, and the majority of healthcare workers lack proper training in case management. Although prohibited, due to the risk of promoting resistance, most of the community drugs stores sell inexpensive, mono-therapeutic malaria treatments. A 2008 baseline health survey conducted by the Company in the DRC confirmed extremely poor knowledge on malaria, only eight percent of respondents knew that mosquitoes were exclusively responsible for the transmission of malaria.
In Papua, Indonesia, where the PT Freeport Indonesia mining operations are located, Papua Province has one of the highest malaria incidence rates in Indonesia, and in virtually all of the communities near the mine's operations, malaria infection is the single greatest cause of morbidity and hospitalization. In Papua, Indonesia, the government health centers face many of the same capacity problems as the DRC, including lack of appropriate diagnostic tools, unreliable malaria drug supply chains, and lack of adequate staff and training, especially in remote village locations.
Based on these challenges faced by the local government and communities near our areas of operation in both Papua, Indonesia and the DRC, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. is committed to reduce malaria transmission in affected communities and to improve capacity for proper malaria case management.
April 2014
Seeking partners/resources
Offering resources
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold is interested in reaching new partners committed to reducing malaria morbidity and mortality in the Democratic of Congo and Indonesia and establishing new partnerships where complementary and appropriate to the strategic plan. Freeport-McMoRan is also interested in sharing best practices, lessons learned, and identifying opportunities through partnerships to expand coverage in the regions where the Company works.
In addition, Freeport-McMoRan is interested in any partners who could join their broader community development efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Papua, Indonesia. The Company has programs focused on clean water, community health services, education, women's economic development, agriculture and urban growth management that will help increase the quality of life in undeveloped and remote areas.
SEEKING: Financial Resources, Implementing Partners
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. is interested in reaching new partners working on reducing malaria morbidity and mortality in the Democratic of Congo and Papua, Indonesia and establishing new partnerships where complementary and appropriate to the strategic plan.
In addition, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. is interested in any partners who could join their efforts to improve social conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Papua, Indonesia. The Company is particularly focused on health, education, economic development and infrastructure efforts that will help undeveloped and remote areas increase quality in of life via sustainable development.
OFFERING: Financial Resources, Best Practice Information
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. is interested in developing initiatives and partnerships that target malaria in Katanga Province, DRC and Papua, Indonesia to improve the capacity of local governments to provide greater access to accurate malaria diagnosis and effective treatments.
