Facilities and Health Information
Medical facilities are severely limited, and medical materials are in short supply. It is wise to carry properly labeled prescription drugs and other medications; an adequate supply of prescription or over-the-counter drugs in local stores or pharmacies is generally not available. Payment for any medical services is expected in cash, in advance of treatment.
Malaria is common throughout the DRC and malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. It is advisable to consult your primary care provider, prior to travel, concerning proper prophylaxis. Outbreaks of polio, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, the Ebola virus, measles, influenza, and hemorrhagic fever also occur. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in the DRC. Travelers are encouraged to obtain tuberculosis testing pre-travel and repeat 8-12 weeks after return. Travelers should take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Many insect-borne illnesses are present. Follow insect precautions at all times, including using insect repellant and mosquito nets when possible. A yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into the country. Travelers are encouraged to avoid contact with non-chlorinated fresh water to prevent schistosomiasis.
There is a high risk of traveler’s diarrhea and cholera throughout the country. This can be mitigated by using good judgment when choosing what food to eat and water to drink. When in restaurants, it is best to ask for bottled water and avoid ice.
Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved
29%
Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved
53.5%
Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved
79.1%
Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population
.8
Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population
.11
Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved
68.6%
Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved
29.1%
Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved
32.6%
Infectious Diseases - degree of risk
very high
Animal Contact Disease (s)
rabies
Food or Waterborne Disease (s)
bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
Vectorborne Disease (s)
malaria, dengue fever, and trypanosomiasis-gambiense (African sleeping sickness)
Water contact disease (s)
schistosomiasis