New Life in Congo | Paul Hegeman - Filmmaker Schrijver

NEW LIFE IN CONGO

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) though rich in natural resources remains one of the poorest countries in the developing world due to years of socio-economic instability brought about by longstanding civil war and famine. As a country it has some of the lowest standards of women’s rights, with the eastern province of South Kivu representing one of the most dangerous regions for women and girls. There is a saying in the DRC: ‘Your child is only yours when it reaches its fifth year’. Due to a lack of pre/post natal care and sanitation it is commonplace that childbirth results in the death of both the mother and the child.

New life in Congo documents how these statistics can be greatly reduced via a new approach in Development Aid: Performance Based Financing (PBF). This revolutionary program focuses on financing individuals and small groups instead of failing governments. The film demonstrates the positive impact PBF has on the Congolese healthcare system due to the unique way programs are developed, implemented, and financially supported.Communities and individuals are empowered to take charge of the provision for their healthcare needs.

We follow two Congolese women: Byenda, 23 who just gave birth to her third child; and Arial who is expecting her seventh child. Both women live a life fraught with challenges including a lack of food and the ever-looming threat of sexual violence. Nevertheless, they are optimistic and continue to fight for a better existence. With the implementation of PBF in the health care system Byenda and Aurélie, supported by doctors and nurses, are able to bare their children in healthier conditions.