Democratic Republic of the Congo
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
There is no general emergency medical number in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). If you have a medical emergency which requires an ambulance, contact a hospital to make this request.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip see:
- TravelHealthPro for the latest information on recommended vaccinations
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Go to TravelHealthPro to see what health risks you’ll face in DRC including:
- malaria
- cholera
- yellow fever
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of DRC. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
The 2022 Aids Info global data report estimates that around 430,000 adults aged 15 or over were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.6 of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS.
Ebola
There are occasional outbreaks of Ebola in DRC. The authorities and the World Health Organisation declared the last outbreak over in September 2022. See more information on Ebola and similar diseases.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare facilities in DRC
FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in DRC.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in DRC.
Medical care is extremely limited. The Centre Prive d’Urgence (CPU) clinic in Kinshasa is able to cope with basic health problems and to stabilise a patient after most serious accidents. Outside Kinshasa, Western-standard medical facilities are almost non-existent. Medical evacuation to South Africa (or elsewhere) could be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you take medication regularly, make sure you bring enough for your time in the DRC, and that it is in properly marked packaging.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.