households (74% of households in the second quintile to 54 % of those in the richest quintile). Compared to 2005, we do not find significant changes in the prevalence of anaemia in children, the latter being increased from 65% to 67%. Micronutrient intake by children The results of the DCAT-II show that the WHO recommendations for universal iodization of table salt are followed: in all households surveyed, 10% did not have salt during the surveyors’ visit; among the 90% of households whose salt was tested, almost all (99%) had iodized salt, and this proportion is very high regardless of the environment or the department of residence. For other essential nutrients, the results are: • More than three quarters of younger children 6-23 months (77%) had consumed foods rich in vitamin A in the 24 hours that preceded the day of the interview; • Nearly two-thirds of children 6-23 months (65%) had consumed iron-rich foods in the last 24 hours; • Among all children aged 6-59 months, 65% had received supplements of vitamin A during the six months preceding the interview; • Just over three quarters of children aged 6-59 months were treated with deworming (77%). 5.3.3.7. Situation and strategy against malaria Malaria is a major public health problem because it remains, according to hospital statistics available, the first cause of consultation (37.7% PNDS 2013- 2016), of hospitalisation and mortality (24% in for children aged below 5 years PNDS 2013-2016). To address this situation, Congo has primarily opted for: - A change in the malaria treatment protocol, from 2006; - The distribution of insecticide-treated nets; - A treatment combining drugs based on artemisinin, since February 2006. As part of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Initiative, Congo has developed a strategic plan against malaria from 2002 to 2006, with the overall objective of reducing morbidity and mortality due to malaria in the general population, especially among pregnant women and children aged under 5 years. Among the progresses of the implementation, the following can be noted, among others: (i) free malaria treatment for children aged 0 to 15 years and pregnant women, effective since 2009, (ii) the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (700,000 in 2012 as part of the PDSS) for pregnant women and women with babies under six months, (iii) training of staff in malaria treatment with first-line drugs, (iv) the adoption of a new malaria treatment policy based on 73