– Better prevention of the population’s health status
The Congolese government has always given health a high priority. The emphasis is on prevention.
In June 2023, the WHO commended the Government of the Congo for its remarkable progress in the fight against non-communicable diseases, particularly with the implementation of several National Health Programs, including one for cancer control. The Congo has indeed adopted a National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control 2022-2026. This disease has devastating economic and social consequences. The top priority is to ensure that cancer is no longer a death sentence for the Congo, but rather a manageable disease in order to reduce medical evacuations. This plan will also inform and raise awareness among the general population about risk factors; promote access to medications, including the HPV vaccine, and cancer treatments for those affected; and collect and analyze statistical data and validate cancer research programs. The implementation of the targeted interventions in this strategy should contribute to improving the health and well-being of the Congolese population.
The Global Fund in Congo has allocated over 45 billion CFA francs for the period 2024-2026 to combat three infectious diseases: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Tuberculosis remains a significant problem in Congo, and the government is moving towards a paradigm shift to move closer to the goals of the strategy to eliminate this disease by 2030. While tuberculosis is an infectious and contagious disease, it is preventable and curable.
The Global Fund is also involved in Congo in strengthening the cold chain supply chain with Cameps, strengthening laboratories, health training, community health and human resources.
The Regional Steering Committee (RSC) of the Disease Surveillance Systems Strengthening Project in Central Africa (REDISSE IV) aims to ensure the control and strengthening of the health sector in the region. Based on the "One Health" platform, the RSC's vision enables the coordination, through a multisectoral and multidisciplinary approach, of all interventions to prevent, detect, and respond to diseases in the ECCAS zone.
Celebrated at the end of April 2023 in Pointe-Noire by the Congolese Employers' and Interprofessional Union (Unicongo), World Day for Safety and Health at Work focused on the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases.
The country has 51 traditional medicine centers. The integration of traditional medicine into the health system follows WHO recommendations.