Democratic Republic of Congo

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• The country's health situation and hygiene conditions make it a potentially risky destination for travelers. Malaria, intestinal infections, STDs (including AIDS) and car accidents are the main risks threatening visitors.
• The whole country is malarial; strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).
• Outbreaks of yellow fever can occur at any time.
• Cholera is endemic in the Katanga.
• The incidence of typhoid fever is significant in the suburbs of Kinshasa (immunization necessary).
• HIV prevalence is high; 10 to 25% of the adult population would be HIV-positive.
• Focal spots of plague have been localized in Ituri (north-eastern DRC) around the axis Bunia-Lotho.
• There are cases of animal rabies in the country.
• Diarrheic diseases are common.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water.
• Avoid eating ice cream and sherbet.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands carefully before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• All travelers entering the country are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
Systematically:
• Yellow fever: compulsory; available for children at least 6 months old.
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.
• Typhoid fever: the vaccination is available for children at least two years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.
• Recommended chemoprophylaxis against malaria: mefloquine (commercial name: Lariam) or doxycycline (commercial name: Doxypalu).

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

• Public hospitals are dilapidated, their equipment is obsolete and they usually do not have medication; they thus can not provide quality health care.
• In Kinshasa, four hospitals directed by European doctors are attended by expatriates.



Kinshasa
• Kinshasa Medical Center (Doctor Roblin), 168 avenue Wagenia et rue du Commerce: phone + 243 89 50 300
• Private Emergency Center (Doctor Roblin), in the same building as the Kinshasa Medical center: phone + 243 89 50 302. This center has the best equipment for handling emergency situations but is only reachable through a subsription.
• Doctor Lelo Clinic (Doctor Chantal Lelo Di Yanika), 15 avenue Kasaï Barumbu: phone + 243 99 82 45 339 / 99 97 62 900.
• Monkole Medical Center (Doctor Yannick Vincendeau), 4804 avenue Ngafani: phone + 243 89 24 426 (the center is managed by a French NGO).

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Ambulances: + 243 88 43579

CLIMATE

• In the north, the climate is equatorial with abundant rains throughout the year (rainfalls are less important between December and February) and constant temperatures (26°C). Climate is tropical in far north.
• In the south, the climate becomes tropical dry; seasons are more marked and the rain season is shorter. The dry season lasts 6 months (from May to September).
• In altitude, the climate is Alpine and snow is abundant on mountaintops.
• At River Congo mouth, the climate is oceanic thanks to the Banguelo cold stream (lower temperatures, less rain).
• When to go: between June and September.