PROSAMI BOARD MEETING
January 10, 2012

1) Situation in the Congo: elections were said to be flawed; the outgoing president decided not to leave; the opposition leader who actually won, rejected the all process and proclaimed himself president; both of them were sworn in; so the country now has 2 presidents, the one “in power” is using the army against the population, there has been reports from human right organizations of many killings. People went missing, now they are reporting bodies floating in Congo River. The crisis has attracted mediators; we are hoping things will be settle in the next few months.

2) Our computers are still safe in the “hideout”. We have discussed with Dr. Mukendi the possibility of him travelling with them as “accompanied baggage”, when he visits Kinshasa next week.

3) Meeting with UNICEF and WHO experts Sunday January 7th; recommendations: PROSAMI should have a local branch in DRC, which responds to the Congo requirements, in order to benefit from financial support destined to Congo’s NGO’s; they strongly discourage the idea of working under the umbrella of another NGO. UNICEF expert is on his way to Kinshasa, he requested to meet with Dr. Mukendi between January 16 and 20 for important contact, and he is planning to introduce PROSAMI to key players in the field of maternal and infant health. I Spoke to Dr Mukendi over the phone, he is ready to go, will need $400 for his ticket and $100 for his stay.

4) WHO expert recommendations: to submit our education program to their office in Kinshasa. Dr Mukendi will be introduced there. WHO needs to acknowledge our program as a condition for PROSAMI to get its support.

5) Recommendations regarding PROSAMI PowerPoint presentation: very pertinent input and critics; will need some expert to help compile a presentation that incorporates aspects from recommendation.

6) PROSAMI Dinner: ticket sell is on the way. Needs to explore raffle items.