What is healthcare in Congo, Republic of the like?

Facilities and Health Information

Medical facilities are extremely limited. Some medicines are in short supply, particularly in rural areas. Travelers should carry their own supply of properly-labeled medications. The Embassy’s Consular Section maintains a list of clinics in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. This list is provided as a service for U.S. citizens residing in or visiting the Republic of the Congo, and in no way constitutes an endorsement or recommendation of any particular facility.

Disease Outbreaks: Mosquito borne illnesses are a major problem throughout the country and prevention of bites and proper immunizations are important for all areas. Travelers should carry and use mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets if possible. A yellow fever outbreak in western portions of the country started in December 2012 leading to an immunization program for citizens. All visitors should have documentation of yellow fever vaccination within ten years. Chikungunya, another mosquito borne virus, appeared in June 2011. There is no immunization or treatment for this disease, which causes fever, headaches, and severe joint pain. Again, prevention of mosquito bites is most important.

Hepatitis A and typhoid are very common in the Republic of the Congo; all travelers should be immunized. Because of an ongoing measles outbreak, you should be immunized (or have had measles). Rabies is not uncommon; travelers staying in rural settings, especially for long periods, should be immunized before arriving. Although currently controlled, polio outbreaks have occurred in recent years. Travelers should be immunized before arrival.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is highly prevalent in cities and rural areas throughout the country in all seasons of the year. If you will be visiting the Republic of the Congo, you will need to discuss with your doctor the best ways for you to avoid getting sick with malaria. A combination of strategies should be taken to diminish the chance of developing malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses such as chikungunya and yellow fever:

Taking a prescription antimalarial drug,

Using insect repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves to prevent mosquito bites, and

Sleeping in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms and/or using bed nets.

All of the following antimalarial drugs are equal options for preventing malaria in the Republic of the Congo: Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone®), doxycycline, or mefloquine. Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in the Republic of the Congo and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region. The CDC provides additional information on malaria protective measures.

If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in the Republic of the Congo, and for up to one year after returning home, you should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician you have traveled into a malarial area and what antimalarials you have been taking.

African trypanosomiasis is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly and is primarily found along the Congo River in the regions of Bouenza (including Loudima, Nkayi, and Madingou), Pool, Plateau (including Gambona), and Cuvette (including along the Likouala and Sangha rivers). Conventional insect repellents (DEET and permethrin) are ineffective against the tsetse fly. Wear light-colored, (not blue, which attracts tsetse flies) heavyweight clothing.

Loiasis, a filarial infection transmitted by large tabanid flies (Deer or Mango Fly), is highly endemic in forested areas. Exposure of longer than just a week or two is generally required for infection. Daytime insect precautions are recommended. Onchocerciasis, another filarial infection which is transmitted by black flies, is highly endemic. Exposure of longer than just a week or two is generally required for infection. Daytime insect precautions are recommended, especially near the shores of rivers.

Schistosomiasis is caused by a parasitic worm and is endemic in the Republic of the Congo. The larval stage of the worm burrows through the skin when in contact with contaminated fresh water. Avoid wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in, or drinking from bodies of fresh water such as canals, lakes, rivers, streams, or springs.

There is a very high incidence of diarrheal diseases throughout the country including in luxury hotels in major cities. Travelers can protect themselves by following good hygiene and safe food preparation. These include scrupulous washing of hands under running water, especially before food preparation and eating, thorough cooking of food, boiling or treatment of drinking water, and use of sanitary facilities. Above all, be very careful with food (especially raw vegetables and leafy salads) and water, including ice.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in the Republic of the Congo.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

38.8%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved

24.7%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

95.700000

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

3.4%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.6

People Living with HIV/AIDS

77,000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.1

Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved

85.4%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

19.600000

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

5.6%

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 and dengue fever

Water contact disease (s)

schistosomiasis

Medical Insurance

Uninsured travelers who encounter medical emergencies overseas often face extreme difficulties. Most medical insurance plans do not include coverage outside one's country. Getting medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be very expensive, and, if you need it, a medical evacuation back to your country can cost more than $50,000!

Your local embassy may assist in locating appropriate medical services, informing family or friends, and may even assist in the transfer of funds from back home. But ultimately, payment of hospital and other expenses is entirely your responsibility.

Check the terms of your health insurance policy, whether it’s your own, under your parents' policy, or through your school. If you are not covered while out of the country, you may need to purchase additional coverage. Many travel agents and private companies offer plans that will cover health care expenses overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

Mental Health

Traveling or studying overseas is not a cure for health conditions such as depression or attention deficit disorder. Sometimes going abroad may in fact amplify a condition. One may not have adequate access to prescription medication or mental health facilities. In addition, culture shock, language barriers, and homesickness can deepen isolation or depression.

Before traveling, create a workable plan for managing your mental health while abroad. The availability and quality of mental health services differ widely from country to country. In many countries, one will find it difficult — and sometimes impossible — to find treatment for mental health conditions. With your health services provider or your school, put together a workable mental health plan before you go overseas.

If you have a medical or psychological condition that may require treatment while you are abroad, discuss this ahead of time with your doctor. A vacation or study abroad is a great opportunity to try new things but this is not the time to experiment with not taking your medicine or mixing alcohol with medicine.

Research the social culture of your destination to learn about how mental illnesses are viewed. Attitudes toward mental health can greatly vary between countries.

If you are studying abroad through your university, talk to your university about access to mental health services at overseas programs. Your study abroad office can help you decide what program would be best for you.

If currently receiving mental health services — including prescription medication — find out if those services and/or medication are available at your destination.

Consider the support system you’ll have in place while abroad. If possible, know ahead of time who you can consult about your mental health.

Prescriptions

While you’re abroad is not the time to suddenly realize you ran out of your prescription!

If you have a condition that requires regular medication, bring an extra quantity with you and pack it in your carry-on, just in case your checked luggage gets lost. Just remember to keep it in its original container and clearly labeled — you don’t want to create the impression you’re carrying drugs that haven’t been prescribed to you. In fact, you should check with the local embassy to make sure that your medication is acceptable to carry into the country. Some countries may consider your prescription medication to be illegal. Bring a letter from your doctor listing your medications and explaining why you need them. Doing your research and having a letter can help prevent any misunderstandings along the way.

Bring extras of any medical necessities you need, like contact lenses or glasses. You might want to pack a pair in both your carry-on bag and your checked luggage, just to be safe.

If you have allergies to certain medications, foods, insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing one of those “medical alert” bracelets and carry a letter from your doctor explaining the required treatment if you become ill. It might not be the coolest piece of jewelry you wear, but it could save your life.

Vaccinations

How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots.

Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations.

Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.