Congo News

Brazzaville – The Republic of the Congo is one of 15 countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region where the mpox outbreak remains active. The country has made risk communication and community engagement central to its response strategy. As of April 9, Congo had recorded 50 confirmed cases since the start of the outbreak, with only five active cases remaining and no deaths reported.

Brazzaville – Congo is intensifying efforts to reduce maternal mortality by introducing innovative tools, including the labour monitoring guide. Also known as the partogram, this is used to monitor the well-being of both mother and baby during active labour. 

In use in the Republic of the Congo since 1993, the partogram supports decision-making in the event of complications, and helps reduce avoidable risks and deaths. In 2022, a simplified version was rolled out to 12 health districts, making it more accessible and easier for maternity staff to use.

Brazzaville – Salomon*, in his 30s, arrives for his consultation with an envelope containing the results of his laboratory tests and an x-ray of his lungs, which he hands to Amélie Makoundou, public health assistant at the Brazzaville Tuberculosis (TB) Centre. After a thorough inspection, Makoundou says: “It’s okay, you’re cured.” Salomon remains impassive, as if he hasn’t heard what the assistant said. She repeats: “You can stop treatment, you are cured.” Salomon, who has just completed six months of treatment, thanks Makoundou and leaves with a broad smile.

Brazzaville – Onchocerciasis – commonly known as river blindness – is a major public health problem in Congo. Once confined to rural communities living close to rivers and farmlands, the disease is now present in urban settings, particularly in communities located close to watercourses.

Brazzaville – “Previously, I avoided going to the integrated health centre (IHC) due to the high cost of care and poor reception," says Christine, 58, who lives in Nzalangoye, in Ouesso District in northern Congo. 

In 2021, only 13.82% of the Congolese population had access to health services. Barriers such as lack of information, high cost of services, insecurity and geographical isolation, restricted access.

Brazzaville ‒ Widespread flooding due to unusually heavy rainfall in the Republic of Congo has left more than 336 000 people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The floods have also damaged health facilities and schools and submerged swaths of farmland.