THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROJECTS Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo/Ministry of Health DRC COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Project (P173825) ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) March 24, 2020 1|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) FOR COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROJECTS ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 1. The Democratic Republic of Congo (hereinafter the Recipient) will implement the DRC COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Project (the Project), with the involvement of the following ministries/agencies/units: Ministry of Health/the Health System Strengthening for Better Maternal and Child Health Results Project (PDSS) project implementation unit. The International Development Association (the Association) has agreed to provide financing for the Project. 2. The Recipient will implement material measures and actions so that the Project is implemented in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). This Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) sets out material measures and actions, any specific documents or plans, as well as the timing for each of these. 3. The Recipient is responsible for compliance with all requirements of the ESCP even when implementation of specific measures and actions is conducted by the Ministry, agency or unit referenced in 1. above. 4. Implementation of the material measures and actions set out in this ESCP will be monitored and reported to the Association by the Recipient as required by the ESCP and the conditions of the legal agreement, and the Association will monitor and assess progress and completion of the material measures and actions throughout implementation of the Project. 5. As agreed by the Association and the Recipient, this ESCP may be revised from time to time during Project implementation, to reflect adaptive management of Project changes and unforeseen circumstances or in response to assessment of Project performance conducted under the ESCP itself. In such circumstances, the Recipient will agree to the changes with the Association and will update the ESCP to reflect such changes. Agreement on changes to the ESCP will be documented through the exchange of letters signed between the Association and the Recipient. The Recipient will promptly disclose the updated ESCP. 6. Where Project changes, unforeseen circumstances, or Project performance result in changes to the risks and impacts during Project implementation, the Recipient shall provide additional funds, if needed, to implement actions and measures to address such risks and impacts. 2|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY MONITORING AND REPORTING A REGULAR REPORTING: Prepare and submit to the Association Quarterly throughout the Project Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU regular monitoring reports on the environmental, social, health implementation period. and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project, including, but not limited to, stakeholder engagement activities and grievances log. ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The Ministry of Health shall An Environmental Specialist, a Social Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU maintain the PDSS PIU with qualified staff and resources to Development Specialist and a GBV support management of environmental, social, health, and safety Specialist should be appointed before (ESHS) risks and impacts of the Project including environmental commencement of Project activities. and social risk management specialists. PIU maintained throughout Project implementation. 3|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT/MANAGEMENT Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU PLANS AND INSTRUMENTS/ CONTRACTORS a. Assess the environmental and social risks and impacts, a. ESMF to be prepared within 2 including Gender-Based Violence/Sexual Exploitation and months after the Effective Date. Abuse/Harassment (GBV/SEA/SH) risks, of proposed Assessment to be conducted before Project activities, in accordance with ESS1, the the carrying out of the relevant Environmental and Social Management Framework Project activities (ESMF) to be prepared, disclosed and adopted for the Project, and the Good Practice Note on Addressing SEAH/SH in Investment Projects Financing Involving Major Civil Works (GPN SEA/SH), to ensure that individuals or b. Before the carrying out of the groups who, because of their particular circumstances, relevant Project activities, and may be disadvantaged or vulnerable, have access to the thereafter throughout the carrying development benefits resulting from the Project. out of such activities. Initial GBV Action plan to be prepared within 2 b. Prepare, disclose, adopt, and implement Infection Control months after the Effective Date. and Medical Waste Management Plans (ICWMP), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), GBV/SEA/SH Prevention and Response Action Plan, and/or any other environmental and social management plans or other instruments required for the respective Project c. Before launching the procurement activities based on the assessment process, in accordance process for the relevant Project with the ESSs, the ESMF, the GPN SEA/SH, the EHSGs, and activities, and thereafter other relevant Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) throughout the carrying out of such including the WHO guidelines on COVID-19 in a manner activities. acceptable to the Association. c. Incorporate the relevant aspects of this ESCP, including, inter alia, any environmental and social management plans including the GBV/SEA/SH Prevention and Response Action Plan or other instruments, ESS2 requirements, and any other required ESHS measures, into the ESHS specifications of the procurement documents and contracts with contractors and supervising firms. Thereafter ensure that the contractors and supervising 4|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY firms comply with the ESHS specifications of their respective contracts. 1.3 EXCLUSIONS: Exclude the following type of activities as ineligible During the assessment process Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU for financing under the Project: conducted under action 1.2.a. above.  Activities that may cause long term, permanent and/or irreversible (e.g. loss of major natural habitat) adverse impacts  Activities that have high probability of causing serious adverse effects to human health and/or the environment not related to treatment of COVID19 cases  Activities that may have significant adverse social impacts and may give rise to significant social conflict  Activities that may affect lands or rights of indigenous people or other vulnerable minorities,  Activities that may involve permanent resettlement or land acquisition or adverse impacts on cultural heritage  Activities which would require Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC).  All the other excluded activities set out in the ESMF of the Project. ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 5|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 2.1 a. LABOR MANAGEMENT: The Project shall be carried out in Initial LMP to be completed before Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU accordance with the applicable requirements of ESS2, in a engaging project workers in Project manner acceptable to the Association, including through, activities, and to updated and revised inter alia, implementing adequate occupational health and periodically as necessary. safety measures (including emergency preparedness and response measures), drafting codes of conduct including LMP and all other requirements under clauses and sanctions against the use of GBV/SEA/SH, action 2.1 to be followed throughout setting out grievance arrangements for Project workers, Project implementation. and incorporating labor requirements into the ESHS specifications of the procurement documents and contracts with contractors and supervising firms. Labor Management Procedures (LMP) will be developed and implemented. b. All staff will be required to attend training sessions on GBV/SEA/SH through Project implementation. Induction sessions will be organized for temporary workers before they start work. 2.2 The Recipient shall implement adequate occupational health and Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU safety measures (including emergency preparedness and response measures) in line with the ESMF and WHO guidelines on COVID19 in all facilities, including laboratories, quarantine and isolation centers, and screening posts. 2.3 The Recipient shall ensure a non-discriminatory, decent work Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU environment; including by ensuring that all health workers adhere to the WHO Code of Ethics and Professional conduct. 2.4 The Recipient shall establish a grievance hotline and assignment of Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU focal points to address these Project worker grievances within MoH. 6|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 3.1 Relevant aspects of this standard shall be considered, as needed, under action 1.2 above, including, inter alia, measures to manage health care wastes and other types of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 Relevant aspects of this standard shall be considered, as needed, Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU under action 1.2 above, including, inter alia, measures to: minimize the potential for community exposure to communicable diseases; ensure that individuals or groups who, because of their particular circumstances, may be disadvantaged or vulnerable have access to the development benefits resulting from the Project; manage the risks of the use of security personnel; manage the risks of labor influx; and prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. 4.2 The Recipient will put measures in place to prevent or minimize Throughout project implementation Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU the spread of the infectious disease/COVID-19 to the community. 4.3 The Recipient will implement emergency preparedness measures Throughout project implementation Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU in case of laboratory accidents/ emergencies e.g. a fire response or natural phenomena event. 4.4 The Recipient will operate quarantine and isolation centers in line Throughout project implementation Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU with WHO guidelines on “Key considerations for repatriation and quarantine of travelers in relation to the outbreak of novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV� as well as the Africa CDC guideline on “Africa CDC Guidance for Assessment, Monitoring, and Movement Restrictions of People at Risk for COVID-19 in Africa�. 7|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 4.5 The Recipient will ensure the avoidance of any form of Sexual Throughout project implementation Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU Exploitation and Abuse by relying on the WHO Code of Ethics and Professional conduct for all workers in the quarantine facilities as well as the provision of gender-sensitive infrastructure such as segregated toilets and enough light in quarantine and isolation centers. Recipient 4.6 The Recipient will operate quarantine and isolation centers and Throughout project implementation Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU screening posts in a conflict-sensitive manner, avoiding any aggravation of local communal conflicts, including between host communities and refugees/IDPs. 4.7 The Recipient will ensure that any security personnel operating for Throughout project implementation Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU quarantine and isolation centers and screening posts follow strict rules of engagement and avoid any escalation. ESS 5: LAND ACQUISITION, RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT 5.1 Not currently relevant. In the event that any proposed Project activity involves potential risks and impacts related to this standard, relevant aspects of this standard shall be considered, as needed, under action 1.2 above. ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 Not currently relevant. ESS 7: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED TRADITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES 7.1 Relevant aspects of this standard shall be considered, as needed, under action 1.2 above. 7.2 The Recipient will ensure that SSAHUTLC communities are Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU appropriately informed and can share in the benefits of the project in an inclusive and culturally appropriate manner (i.e. prevention and treatment) with provisions included in the ESMF/ESMP and SEP. 8|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 7.3 In case SSAHUTLC communities would be addressed by quarantine Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU provisions, site-specific Indigenous Peoples plans would be prepared in accordance with the ESMF to ensure adequate consideration of their specific cultural needs, to the satisfaction of the Bank. ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8.1 Not currently relevant. In the event that any proposed Project activity involves potential risks and impacts related to this standard, relevant aspects of this standard shall be considered, as needed, under action 1.2 above. ESS 9: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES Not relevant. ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN: Prepare, disclose, adopt, and A draft SEP was already prepared and Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) consistent with disclosed and shall be updated within 2 ESS10, in a manner acceptable to the Association. The SEP shall be months after the Effective Date. The updated to include the Risk communication and community SEP shall be implemented throughout engagement (RCCE) strategy, to be prepared under the Project in the Project implementation period. line with WHO provisions “Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) readiness and response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)� (January 26, 2020). 10.2 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE: Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU Adopt measures to ensure that the carrying out of Project activities includes stakeholder engagement and information disclosure consistent with ESS10, in a manner acceptable to the Association. 9|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 10.2 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: Accessible grievance arrangements Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU shall be made publicly available to receive and facilitate resolution of concerns and grievances in relation to the Project, including GBV/SEA/SH complaints, consistent with ESS10, in a manner acceptable to the Association. The Recipient will establish a project-wide grievance redress mechanism (GRM), sensitive to GBV/EAS/HS risks, with assignment of focal points to address these grievances within MoH. The SEA/SH-sensitive GRM will adopt reporting and allegation procedures regarding GBV/SEA/SH, an accountability framework, and the response to complaints. CAPACITY SUPPORT (TRAINING) Training topics for personnel involved in Project implementation Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Health/PDSS PIU will among others include:  Communication strategy on COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations  COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations  Laboratory biosafety guidance related to the COVID-19  Specimen collection and shipment  Standard precautions for COVID-19 patients  Risk communication and community engagement  WHO and Africa CDC guidelines on quarantine including case management  GBV/SEA/SH risk awareness, prevention and mitigation Action Plan, content and sanctions of CoCs, and GRM GBV/SEA/HS of project (i.e. importance, objectives, content, how to prepare it, who implements it, and how to ensure a GRM sensitive to GBV/SEA/HS issues 10 | P a g e