How does the healthcare system work in Congo-Brazzaville?

What is the quality of healthcare in Congo-Brazzaville?

• In Congo-Brazzaville, healthcare is... well, limited, mainly due to a lack of government funding. Both public and private healthcare facilities exist, but the quality varies greatly.
• For serious medical problems, you are likely to be referred to a hospital in another country.
• The two largest hospitals are in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. There are also smaller centres such as outpatient clinics, maternity centres and regional health institutions.
• Tuberculosis is the biggest killer in the country, which also reflects the state of the healthcare system.
• Tip: Speak a few words of French so your doctor knows if you have a headache or a broken ankle.
• Don't assume that you can get all the medicine you need.
• Outside the cities, it can be difficult to reach emergency services. So make sure you always have the telephone number of a reliable private clinic or hospital with you. It will save you a lot of hassle - and possibly your health.

How does the public healthcare system work in Congo-Brazzaville?

• The quality of public health care is probably not what you are used to. There are shortages of doctors, people in rural areas have difficulty accessing it and the health care system cannot cope with the many diseases in the country.

How does the private healthcare system work in Congo-Brazzaville?

• Private clinics are where most people end up when things go wrong. The care here is particularly good in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
• But: good does not mean what you might be used to. And it is not getting any cheaper either.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Congo-Brazzaville?

• A GP practice like you are used to at home? That is unlikely. If you want to see a doctor, it is best to go to a private clinic.

How is the dentist arranged in Congo-Brazzaville?

• Only in Brazzaville are there a few reasonable dental practices.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Congo-Brazzaville?

• There has been a lot of work done to improve care for pregnant women – and this is reflected in lower maternal and infant mortality rates. Thanks to the Kobikisa project, free care is provided, but it remains a challenge.
• Are you pregnant? Then giving birth abroad is probably a more attractive idea than, for example, giving birth in a hospital without electricity or running water.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Congo-Brazzaville?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Congo-Brazzaville?

• Congo-Brazzaville is politically fairly stable compared to its neighbours. In terms of safety, it varies depending on where you are.
• Ask locals for advice on where to go and where not to go.
• Petty crime is most common. Be especially alert for pickpockets in tourist and busy areas.
• Violent crime does occur occasionally, but you are unlikely to encounter this.
• A few tips: do not wear expensive things in public.
• Be careful with your bank card and preferably use the ATM machines in a bank or shopping centre.
• Do not walk alone in the evening.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Congo-Brazzaville?

• A (long) stay in Congo-Brazzaville can be quite a challenge for your health. This makes it all the more important to take out good health insurance.
• Tuberculosis is a major problem in Congo-Brazzaville. Take this into account.
• There are many cases of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya and zika.
• If you dive into the freshwater sources, you run the risk of schistosomiasis, a parasite that then crawls through your skin to bathe in you.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Congo-Brazzaville?

• In the cities, there are often traffic jams during peak hours.
• In the remote areas, the roads are bad. Public transport consists of minibuses ("taxi-bus") and buses. This mode of transport is cheap, but perhaps not the most comfortable or safe.
• During the rainy season, some roads can become impassable.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Congo-Brazzaville?

• Is the trip to Congo-Brazzaville and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Congo-Brazzaville if you are going to live there for a while?

• A good, international health insurance is certainly necessary for a stay in Congo Brazzaville. Not only because of the state of healthcare, but also because of the many health risks.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.