IPHD opened its program in Guinea in 2001. Since then, it has provided 9,479 tons of food aid. Total value of the program was $8.9 million in both food and project aid for development and humanitarian activities. This includes food distribution to 11,600 children in 164 pre-school centers, funds for eight farmer food banks in which 15,000 farmers participate, (benefitting about 100,000 Guineans), a water development program that will eventually give 350 villages a water supply benefitting 125,000 people, loans to over 8,500 farmers, grants and loans for over 400 women to set up income-generating businesses, an HIV/AIDS program, among other activities. USAID recently provided 150 tons of dehydrated chicken soup for the program. USDA supports 90 percent of IPHD activities in Guinea
The HIV/AIDS project was carried out in seven localities through OCPH, the Caritas organization of the Guinean Catholic Church. Three clinics and a hospital in Conakry also participated in the program, along with 51 parish centers. Teachers, parish leaders, health persons and others were taught HIV/AIDS prevention, identification, counseling and care of victims of this disease. Audio visuel materials, posters, and training guides were developed. Over 6,000 people received some kind of training. The program ended in late 2005 because of a lack of funding.
IPHD plans to expand its water development programs an to initiate a school lunch program in two provinces for 200,000 children, to include a malaria prevention component.
Guinea Republic Information:
– Area: 245,857 sq. km. (size of Oregon).
– Climate: Hot, humid, rains in June to November.
– Elevation: Highest point is 1,752 meters.
– Population: 9.5 million.
– Life Expectancy: 49.3 years.
– Infant Mortality: 90.4 per 1,000 births.
– Major Diseases: Malaria, hepatitis A, yellow fever, schistosomiasis, typhoid fever and diarrhea.
– Literacy Rate: 35.9 percent, but among women only 21.9 percent.
– Major Ethnic Group: Peuhl (40%) Malinka (30%), Soussou (20%).
– Religion: Muslim 85%), Christian (8%) and Indigenous (7%).