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Democratic Republic of the Congo
02-03-2026 | di COOPI
DRC. COOPI confirmed co-facilitator of the Nutrition Cluster
On January 29, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale was re-elected as co-facilitator of the Nutrition Cluster in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a third term. The appointment represents recognition by both governmental and non-governmental members of the Cluster of the role played by the organization in coordinating the response to malnutrition in one of the most complex humanitarian contexts in the world.
The Nutrition Cluster brings together all organizations active in the sector in the country and operates under the supervision of UNICEF. Its goal is to ensure effective interventions based on the needs of the most vulnerable populations, while also promoting long-term strategies to strengthen food and nutrition security.
To understand the significance of this reappointment, we interviewed Ilaria di Modugno, who has served as COOPI’s co-facilitator of the Nutrition Cluster in the DRC for the past two years.
What does it mean for COOPI to be renewed in this role for a third term?
“COOPI has been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1977, and this reappointment primarily represents a signal of credibility. It recognizes the technical quality, neutrality, and coordination capacity that the organization has demonstrated over the years alongside the Cluster lead agency, UNICEF.
The renewal also ensures continuity in an extremely unstable context such as the Congolese one. Continuity means stability, institutional memory, and consolidated relationships with both government authorities and national and international partners.
Finally, this re-election also brings increased responsibility: further consolidating coordination among partners, improving the quality of interventions, and strengthening accountability to populations affected by crises, while ensuring the effectiveness of the nutrition response.”
What does the work of co-facilitating the Cluster involve?
“Co-facilitation takes place together with the lead agency, UNICEF. A major part of the work involves technical coordination: organizing Cluster meetings, facilitating dialogue between NGOs, health authorities, and UN agencies, which are numerous in the country.
The objective is to harmonize approaches and ensure that all partners engaged in the nutrition sector adopt shared protocols and standards.
At the same time, we carry out constant analysis and monitoring of needs, to identify gaps, overlaps, or unmet areas in the humanitarian response. Another essential aspect is advocacy: mobilizing resources, raising awareness among donors and institutions, and keeping nutrition among the priorities of the humanitarian response.”
What is the strategic importance of this role today?
“In the current context, especially in eastern DRC, the strategic importance is very high. The region is marked by active conflicts, massive population movements, pressure on the health system, and recurring epidemics.
In this scenario, the Cluster’s work is essential to ensure that nutrition remains a life-saving priority. It also promotes a multisectoral and holistic approach, supporting a gradual transition toward more sustainable systems.
Another important goal is progressively strengthening the capacities of national and provincial authorities, so that in the future they can autonomously manage the nutrition response when – hopefully – humanitarian crises diminish.”
What is the current situation of malnutrition in the country, particularly in the East?
“The Democratic Republic of Congo is among the countries with the highest number of children affected by acute malnutrition in the world. Every year, millions of children under five require nutritional assistance, while chronic malnutrition remains structurally very high.
In the eastern part of the country, where COOPI is active, malnutrition is closely linked to conflict and forced population displacement. Each new wave of violence leads to an increase in acute malnutrition cases, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.”
In this context, COOPI DRC’s re-election as co-facilitator of the Nutrition Cluster represents not only institutional recognition but also a renewed commitment to millions of children and families affected by the crisis.
Present in the country since 1977, COOPI has been engaged for decades in strengthening the population’s food and nutrition security. In 2025, the organization implemented six projects, reaching 248,783 beneficiaries.
In a context marked by prolonged conflict and structural fragility, ensuring continuity, quality, and strategic vision in the nutrition response means contributing concretely to saving lives today and building stronger foundations for the country’s future.