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World Bank hails drop in poverty levels in Republic of Congo

Xinhua, May 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Resident Representative of the World Bank in the Republic of Congo Djibrila Issa on Tuesday hailed efforts made by the country's government to fight against poverty which saw the levels drop from 51 percent in 2005 to 36 percent in 2015.

"In the last few years, the Republic of Congo has witnessed strong economic growth which has resulted into visible progress with regards to reduction of poverty," he said during the opening of a regional forum in Brazzaville to discuss social cash transfers.

Estimates by the World Bank show that poverty levels in the Republic of Congo dropped from 51 percent to 41 percent in 2011, and it was estimated to be 36 percent in 2015.

He however revealed that the strong economic growth was not sufficiently inclusive, and had resulted into high rates of inequalities and vulnerabilities.

In the Republic of Congo, social cash transfer strategy was adopted to promote financial stability and food security. It is jointly funded by the Republic of Congo government, the World Bank and the World Food Program.

The program which was launched in 2012, has helped to guarantee food security and improve food consumption for vulnerable populations, besides improving living conditions for households affected by HIV/AIDS.

The program currently benefits 6,138 households in the major towns of Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, Sibiti and Owando. Endit