Healthcare in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Although some efforts have been made to improve healthcare in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the country's healthcare system remains in a poor state. If you need serious medical care, you may seek help outside the country.

That said, basic healthcare facilities offering a reasonable standard of care are available in the main cities, such as Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. In rural areas, though, healthcare facilities are virtually non-existent.

Public healthcare in the DRC

The DRC's public healthcare system is in a desperate state of disrepair. Both facilities and adequately trained staff are seriously lacking.

In theory, the DRC has a four-tiered healthcare model. First-tier medical care is provided by nurses at community health centres, followed by general physicians in reference health centres for the second tier. Specialist care in provincial hospitals constitutes the third level. Finally, university hospitals are the fourth level. That said, in practice, access to public medical facilities is severely lacking in rural and remote areas and places impacted by conflict.

The government works with NGOs and humanitarian medical organisations, such as Médecins sans frontières (Doctors Without Borders) to bridge the gap and offer mobile services. However, support is limited and expats are not likely to seek assistance at public healthcare facilities, even in a large city.

Useful links

• Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention

Private healthcare in the DRC

Most expats will opt for a private hospital or clinic in the country's capital, Kinshasa. The city has a few private hospitals that offer a decent level of care and meet Western standards. The doctors are highly trained, and many speak English as well as French.

Some large foreign mining operations will have a doctor and a small on-site clinic to cater to their staff's basic medical needs. Nevertheless, major medical emergencies usually require air evacuation to a country with better facilities, such as South Africa or elsewhere in Europe.

Health insurance in the DRC

A comprehensive health insurance policy is essential for expats living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Those moving to work in the DRC as part of a corporate relocation package should ensure that their contract makes provisions for health insurance. We recommend ensuring coverage for medical repatriation abroad in the event of a medical emergency.

Pharmacies and medications in the DRC

Pharmacies are available in major towns and cities. There are a few well-stocked pharmacies in Kinshasa.

If you require regular prescription medication, you should bring a sufficient supply from home along with you. This should be properly marked and accompanied by a script. As the legal status of certain medications varies across international borders, we recommend contacting the nearest DRC embassy for further guidance.

Vaccinations for the DRC

Before travelling to the Congo, you should consult a healthcare professional, such as a GP, to ask about recommended vaccines. Some diseases that may be low risk in an expat's home country are prevalent in the DRC.

The Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory for everyone entering the DRC. It is advised to stay up-to-date on all routine vaccinations as well as further recommended ones, including:

• Cholera
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Polio

You should also consult with a healthcare practitioner about taking anti-malarial medication before, during, and after travelling to the DRC.

Health hazards in the DRC

The DR Congo is prone to numerous tropical diseases. The main health concerns include malaria, waterborne diseases, HIV/AIDS and Ebola. Expats living in the DRC should follow all mandatory requirements and regulations and stay informed on the latest news.

Malaria is widespread and is the leading cause of death in the country. We recommend researching the standard precautions when living in or travelling to a malaria-prone region. These include insect repellent and mosquito nets over beds and consulting a healthcare professional about anti-malarial medication. Ebola presents a risk in certain areas of the DRC, including Équateur, and several outbreaks have occurred over the years.

Waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid are also common. You should avoid drinking tap water and purchase bottled water instead. It's also important to avoid ice made from tap water. 

HIV/AIDS has also presented a serious health problem in the country. Expats moving here should be aware of the risk of contracting the disease and follow the normal recommendations.

Emergency medical services in the DRC

Emergency services are seriously lacking across the country. Expats may need to take a taxi or be driven to the nearest medical facility. It's typically recommended to contact your home country's embassy for support.

Air evacuation to another country with better health facilities, such as South Africa, will likely be necessary for any serious emergencies. Expats should ensure that they have sufficient health insurance to cover this.