THE METROPOLIS:

What is your assessment of the current health situation in the Republic of Congo, and what do you consider to be the main challenges facing the health system today? 

DR. VINCENT DOSSOU SODJINOUI would like to begin by expressing my gratitude and thanks to your newspaper for this opportunity, as the Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), to share with your audience our analysis, achievements, and perspectives regarding the health system of the Republic of Congo and the health challenges facing the region. That being said, I can affirm that the current health situation in the Republic of Congo is generally encouraging.

The country has a hierarchical health system, organized from the bottom to the top of the national administrative division, and endowed with major advantages.

At the base, there are integrated health centers, followed by district hospitals, referral hospitals, general hospitals and, at the top of the health pyramid, the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Brazzaville, which constitutes the national referral hospital.

These technical structures are supported by a coherent administrative organization comprising district management teams, departmental directorates of healthcare and health services, departmental directorates of population, and the Ministry of Health and Population through its various central directorates and specialized programs. The country also benefits from the significant contribution of private, faith-based, and military healthcare facilities, which help meet the population's health needs. In addition, numerous non-governmental organizations and civil society groups are committed to promoting health and strengthening healthcare services. Furthermore, the Republic of Congo has a qualified and dedicated workforce that works daily to improve the well-being of its people.

Health interventions are implemented in accordance with the six pillars of the health system defined by the WHO: governance, human resources for health, financing, service delivery, health products and technologies, and health information. Thus, populations have access to preventive services, including vaccination, health promotion activities, basic and specialized curative care, and interventions designed to prevent and respond to health emergencies.

The health sector also continues to face insufficient funding, with an annual budget lower than the commitments made under the Abuja Declaration, which recommends that States allocate at least 15% of their national budget to health.

However, significant challenges remain. These can be analyzed through each of the pillars of the health system. Generally speaking, one can cite the quantitative and qualitative inadequacy of human resources, as well as their unequal distribution across the country. The health sector also continues to face insufficient funding, with an annual budget lower than the commitments made under the Abuja Declaration, which recommends that states allocate at least 15% of their national budget to health.

Other challenges relate to sector governance, particularly in terms of accountability and leadership. Regarding the provision of care, improvements are still needed in the effective implementation of primary healthcare, access to services in remote areas, strengthening the resilience of the health system to crises, and combating the recurrence of certain epidemics.

The implementation of the CAMU therefore opens up promising prospects so that financial constraints no longer constitute an obstacle to access to care.

It is important to emphasize, however, that, building on the many strengths of the health system, the government and its partners are progressively implementing appropriate measures to address these challenges. For example, the recent establishment of the National Health Council and the decentralization of the management of basic health facilities to local communities represent significant steps toward more effective governance and greater accountability. In summary, the health situation in the Republic of Congo is encouraging. Despite persistent challenges, reforms and concrete actions are underway to sustainably improve the performance of the health system and ensure better access to care for the entire population.

THE METROPOLIS: What significant advances have you observed in the health sector in recent years, and what are the main health indicators that deserve particular attention today?

The Congolese health system has made significant progress in recent years. I will limit myself to three major achievements. The first is the launch of the Universal Health Insurance Fund (CAMU). According to various surveys, nearly 42% of healthcare expenses are borne directly by households, and approximately 19% of them face what we call catastrophic health expenditures—that is, expenses likely to severely jeopardize their economic situation. The implementation of CAMU therefore opens up promising prospects so that financial constraints no longer constitute an obstacle to accessing healthcare. This reform represents a crucial step toward achieving universal health coverage, to which Congo, like all WHO member states, has committed.

The second advance concerns the strengthening of hospital infrastructure through the construction of modern, state-of-the-art hospitals. Recent achievements include the new general hospitals inaugurated last year in Sibiti, in the Lékoumou department, and in Ouesso, in the Sangha department.

These investments strengthen an already relatively well-structured hospital network and contribute to improving the provision of specialized care throughout the national territory.

The third major advance lies in the revitalization of primary healthcare through various initiatives, including the operational strategy developed by the WHO and the Mavimpi Ya Mboté approach implemented by UNICEF. This dynamic aims to strengthen frontline health structures, particularly integrated health centers (IHCs) and district health management teams, so that they have the organizational capacity and resources necessary to provide populations, including those in remote and isolated areas, with the minimum package of essential health activities.

Regarding health indicators, the health status of a population is generally assessed through three main categories: mortality indicators, morbidity indicators, and the determinants of health. Mortality indicators provide information on life expectancy and the various causes of death. In this area, several results are encouraging.

According to data from the World Bank and the WHO, life expectancy at birth in the Republic of Congo has increased by more than 18 years since independence, rising from approximately 48 years in 1960 to nearly 66 years in 2024.

This improvement has accelerated particularly since the 2000s, with an estimated gain of nearly 13 years. A significant reduction in maternal mortality has also been observed, as well as notable progress in reducing neonatal, infant, and child deaths.

Morbidity indicators, on the other hand, allow us to measure the burden of diseases within the population.

Regarding tuberculosis, the incidence was estimated at 379 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, with a treatment success rate of approximately 85%. Significant efforts are still needed, however, in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with around 11,000 new infections reported that same year. Malaria remains the leading cause of medical consultations and hospitalizations in the country, accounting for nearly 53% of recorded morbidity.

Finally, the determinants of health encompass the environmental, social, and economic factors that influence the health status of populations. In this regard, access to safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure remains insufficient, with particularly marked disparities between urban and rural areas. It should be emphasized, however, that all health indicators warrant sustained attention.

The country also benefits from the significant contribution of private, faith-based and military health structures, which help to meet the health needs of the population.

Although several advances have been made, current performance still falls short of the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the trends observed suggest that achieving them by 2030 remains a major challenge.

Analysis of the burden of disease, measured through disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), shows that HIV/AIDS remains the leading cause of loss of healthy life years in Congo.

It is followed by malaria, respiratory infections, neonatal illnesses, and diarrheal diseases. These conditions must continue to receive special attention, as must the recurring epidemics that represent a growing threat to public health. Continued investment in primary healthcare, prevention, universal health coverage, and health system resilience will be crucial to accelerating the country's health progress in the coming years.

What are the main communicable diseases that concern the WHO in Congo today?

Thank you for this important question. It should be stated from the outset that Congo is currently facing a triple health burden: infectious diseases, the progression of non-communicable diseases, and challenges related to maternal and child health.

In addition, there is the recurring nature of certain epidemics, particularly measles. Regarding communicable diseases of concern, the priority diseases I mentioned earlier—HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis—are of course included. However, I would like to place particular emphasis on neglected tropical diseases, such as leprosy, Buruli ulcer, and yaws, whose national incidence rates remain above the thresholds set by the WHO. To date, the Congo has not yet eliminated any of these neglected tropical diseases, even though the 2030 deadline for eliminating at least one of them is fast approaching. I therefore wish to advocate for strengthening strategies for the prevention, surveillance, control, and elimination of these diseases so that the Republic of the Congo can join the ranks of countries that have succeeded in eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease by 2030.

Given the persistent risk of the spread of Ebola virus disease in the region, what are the main preventive measures recommended by the WHO to populations and health authorities to limit the transmission of the virus?

According to various surveys, nearly 42% of healthcare spending is directly borne by households, and approximately 19% of them face what we call catastrophic healthcare expenditures.

The ongoing Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda remains a serious concern. This concern stems, on the one hand, from the circulating virus, for which vaccination and treatment options remain limited, and, on the other hand, from the security situation, which complicates access for health teams to affected areas and hinders response operations.

However, it is important to emphasize that the DRC and several other African countries now possess considerable experience in managing Ebola outbreaks. This expertise is based, in particular, on the technical guidelines developed by the WHO, which govern both the response in affected countries and preparedness in countries at risk of spread. From the outset of the outbreak, the WHO conducted a risk assessment in neighboring countries and formulated several recommendations. These recommendations focus primarily on strengthening preparedness and response through health controls at points of entry, active epidemiological surveillance, the activation of national coordination mechanisms, and strong community mobilization.

It is also worth noting that the WHO is not currently recommending any restrictions on travel or trade based on the available information. Beyond this epidemic, a broader discussion is necessary. Africa experiences more than one hundred health emergencies each year, and the DRC is already facing its seventeenth Ebola outbreak.

Our health systems still too often operate on a crisis response basis. It is time to build resilient health systems capable of preventing epidemics, detecting them early, and responding to them effectively. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the importance of strengthening the continent's health self-sufficiency. Encouraging progress has been made, notably with initiatives for local vaccine production in Africa, the creation of the African Medicines Agency, and the revision of the International Health Regulations to promote more equitable access to medical countermeasures.

These initiatives deserve increased political and financial support. Regarding individual prevention measures, people need to know that Ebola is a serious but preventable disease. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects, as well as through handling or consuming infected animals. The most common symptoms are fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, severe fatigue, and, in some cases, bleeding in the later stages of the disease.

The main preventive measures recommended by the WHO are as follows: wash your hands regularly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid any contact with a person who is sick or has died from Ebola; do not handle or consume animals found dead in the forest; follow the instructions of health authorities during epidemic alerts; consult a health center immediately or report to the authorities any person showing symptoms suggestive of the disease.

How is the WHO supporting countries in the sub-region in strengthening epidemiological surveillance, community awareness and the preparation of health structures in order to prevent possible Ebola outbreaks?

At the strategic and political level, the WHO, in collaboration with Africa CDC, launched the continental response plan in affected countries and preparedness plans in at-risk countries. This $518 million plan is currently undergoing political and resource mobilization. In this regard, a meeting of Heads of State and Government of the African Union was held on June 16, 2026, with the participation of the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

This meeting secured funding commitments from African Union member states and their partners, strengthened African countries' commitment to taking ownership and leading preparedness and response efforts, and leveraged this emergency to build resilience in health systems and prevent future outbreaks. In this epidemic, the WHO is mobilizing partners and working collaboratively with them to provide coordinated support to countries based on each partner's areas of expertise.

At the operational level, the WHO provides technical, financial, and logistical support to at-risk countries in the region to assist them in implementing recommendations and thereby strengthen their preparedness. For example, to improve the preparedness of the Republic of Congo, the WHO donated 20 tons of medicines and other supplies, supported the training of 55 hospital staff on case management and infection prevention and control, and supported the establishment of health control mechanisms at borders.

WHO Congo supported the development of awareness messages broadcast on local television stations and assisted in the design and production of leaflets and other awareness materials about the disease. WHO also supports countries in organizing simulation exercises to test the capacity of health systems to detect and manage the epidemic.

What progress has been made in reducing maternal and infant mortality, and what are the main obstacles that still hinder improvements in the health of mothers and children?

At the continental level, progress is slow. Maternal mortality in Africa has decreased from 518 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 442 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, more than double the global rate. Progress in reducing maternal mortality varies from country to country. In Congo, the downward trend has been more pronounced since 2020. According to the National Observatory of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Deaths (ODMNI), maternal mortality has decreased from 473 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020 to 260 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2025; neonatal mortality has decreased from 28 deaths per 100 births to 18 deaths per 1,000 births.

Malaria, for its part, remains the leading cause of consultation and hospitalization in the country, representing nearly 53% of recorded morbidity.

These improvements are driven by the national program providing free cesarean sections, free malaria treatment for pregnant women and children under 15, and the free distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets to pregnant women and children. The country has also adopted the partogram, a new WHO guide for monitoring labor and delivery, which allows for rapid decision-making in cases of difficult labor. The country is also strengthening the practice of auditing maternal deaths to analyze each case and learn from it to improve pregnancy and childbirth care.

Despite this progress, maternal and neonatal health still faces challenges. The adoption of contraceptive methods remains low, most often due to cultural barriers or difficulties accessing family planning services. Insufficient access to primary healthcare and financial constraints limit prenatal care and births attended by skilled personnel in some areas. At least 78% of maternal deaths are due to delays in accessing care at healthcare facilities. To address this situation, the WHO has just launched an obstetric referral project aimed at networking maternity wards to prevent delays in medical evacuations and care.

How does the WHO support national vaccination programs? What efforts still need to be made to achieve optimal vaccination coverage?

In the area of ​​immunization, WHO provides strategic, technical, and operational support to national immunization programs to help them achieve the goals set by the 2030 Agenda for Immunization. This support is based on scientific recommendations and guidance developed by advisory groups of experts and wise individuals, as well as international technical committees. In the Republic of the Congo, WHO has notably supported the Government in developing the national immunization strategy and several technical guidelines. We have also facilitated high-level policy dialogues and provided technical assistance for the introduction of new vaccines, including those against cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and against Zaire strain Ebola virus disease.

Furthermore, the WHO continues its commitment to working alongside countries to eradicate polio and eliminate several vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles. We are working closely with numerous partners, including the Gavi Alliance, to strengthen immunization systems and improve the performance of national programs.

These efforts are beginning to produce encouraging results. In the Republic of Congo, coverage of the third dose of the pentavalent vaccine increased from 73% in 2023 to 84% in 2025.

Similarly, poliomyelitis caused by wild poliovirus has been eradicated in most countries of the African Region. However, significant challenges remain.

To achieve optimal vaccination coverage, our countries must ensure the continued availability of vaccines, strengthen logistical systems, particularly the cold chain, improve the quality of vaccination data, and intensify communication activities to combat rumors and misinformation that fuel vaccine hesitancy. It is also essential to strengthen the implementation of proven strategies such as the Reaching Every District (RED) approach and The Big Catch-Up initiative, which aims to catch up with children who missed their vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finally, states must progressively increase their contribution to national vaccination funding in order to ensure the sustainability of achievements and reduce their dependence on external funding.

Achieving optimal vaccination coverage depends not only on vaccine availability; it also relies on public trust, the performance of health systems, and the sustained commitment of governments to immunization.

Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers are on the rise in Africa.

What is the situation in Congo?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and cancers are indeed among the leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs) experiencing a significant increase in Africa. This rise is explained by contributing factors such as increased life expectancy, urbanization, lack of physical activity, an unbalanced diet high in fats, sugar, and salt, as well as tobacco and alcohol consumption. Insufficient capacity for early diagnosis, management, and treatment also contributes to this trend.

In Congo, estimates established by the WHO in 2018 indicate that NCDs are responsible for 35% of all deaths, including 14% from CVD.

In the first quarter of 2025, nearly 10,000 cases of hypertension and nearly 5,000 cases of diabetes were reported in integrated health centers. To strengthen the fight against these NCDs, the WHO is supporting the government in developing national strategic plans, technical guidelines for care, and the implementation of the WHOPEN project, which aims to improve NCD management in integrated health centers. There is also the PEN-plus project for the management of severe NCD cases in hospitals. The WHO is currently advocating for national surveys to provide up-to-date data on NCDs. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Government's efforts in the fight against NCDs, particularly the ongoing construction of a radiotherapy department and the strengthening of mechanisms for combating mental illness.

What awareness strategies should be strengthened to better prevent chronic diseases within populations, and what priority investments are needed to improve their management in the Republic of Congo?

With regard to health indicators, the health status of a population is generally assessed through three main categories of indicators: mortality indicators, morbidity indicators and determinants of health.

The prevention of chronic diseases must be based on a comprehensive approach, combining the promotion of healthy lifestyles, early detection, and strong social mobilization. It is essential to strengthen awareness campaigns on the main risk factors, including smoking, harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, sedentary behavior, and obesity. The public must be better informed about the importance of regular physical activity, adopting a balanced diet, and periodically monitoring certain health parameters, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight. A better understanding of these risk factors allows for proactive measures, preventing the onset of non-communicable diseases and reducing their complications, which often have serious consequences for individuals, families, and the healthcare system. In this context, the media have an absolutely crucial role to play. They are strategic partners in public health, capable of disseminating credible, accessible, and targeted prevention messages to different segments of the population. Through broadcasts, reports, debates, specialized columns and digital content, they contribute to promoting health-friendly behaviors, combating misinformation and strengthening citizens' knowledge.

Strengthening collaboration between health authorities, healthcare professionals and the media is therefore a major lever for making prevention a true reflex within communities.

The WHO is supporting the Congolese government in this endeavor through several prevention and health promotion initiatives. Beyond its support for strengthening the capacity of health services and implementing the Essential Noncommunicable Diseases Package (ENDP), the WHO in Congo is also developing innovative community mobilization campaigns, particularly on social media, with the support of online volunteers.

Initiatives such as "Health Holidays," HIV awareness campaigns, and the "28-Day No Smoking Challenge" have reached millions of people, particularly young people, with prevention messages tailored to their realities. These experiences demonstrate that digital communication and civic engagement are powerful tools for preventing chronic diseases, combating misinformation, and fostering a lasting culture of health within the population. However, priority investments remain essential to improve the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). I would particularly like to draw attention to mental health, which remains an underdeveloped area in the Republic of Congo.

To date, the country does not have a hospital specializing in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and other mental health conditions.

The WHO supported a pilot survey on mental health disorders in the Congo, the results of which highlighted the importance of strengthening mental health services. Among the priority recommendations is the construction of a modern psychiatric hospital capable of providing specialized, high-quality care that respects patients' rights. This investment is now one of the priorities identified for improving the management of non-communicable diseases.

Advocacy efforts are currently underway with technical and financial partners to mobilize the resources needed to implement this structuring project for the Congolese health system.

How do you assess the current state of human health resources in the Republic of Congo, and what are the main priorities in terms of training and capacity building for healthcare staff?

I would first like to commend all healthcare professionals for their daily efforts and sacrifices in service to the Congolese people. This recognition is all the more justified and necessary given that the density of healthcare personnel in Congo falls below the standards recommended by the WHO. This already limited workforce is also unevenly distributed across the country. For example, nearly 77% of doctors are concentrated in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Training priorities encompass all medical and paramedical specialties. The number of general practitioners and specialists, midwives, nurses, biomedical engineers, and other professionals trained each year by the various universities remains insufficient to enable Congo to achieve universal health coverage.

Furthermore, certain specialties are facing a particularly worrying situation, notably psychiatry, mental health, childcare, and speech therapy, among others, where staffing levels are very low or even nonexistent. It is therefore important to take measures to increase the production of human resources in healthcare, both through local universities and by strengthening South-South cooperation, as is already the case with Cuba, as well as South-North cooperation.

In a context where health financing remains a major challenge for many African countries, what solutions do you recommend and what role can public, private and international partnerships play in strengthening the Congolese health system?

Since the upheaval in multilateralism and the cessation of funding for the WHO, as well as for several other organizations and interventions, by some countries, the WHO has focused on strengthening mechanisms to improve the predictability of financial resources and, consequently, to reduce the financial risks the Organization faces. Following painful measures that led to the separation of a significant number of human resources, the Organization is increasingly emphasizing local resource mobilization. In this context, here in the Congo, the WHO is working to strengthen partnerships with foundations, companies and businesses, NGOs, and other civil society institutions. We have conducted policy dialogues and advocacy efforts with various national authorities to secure additional specific funding for the WHO Country Office in the Congo. We have achieved positive results with certain foundations, notably the SNPC Foundation, with which we have signed two draft agreements, as well as with the MTN Foundation, with which we are organizing, alongside other partners, free healthcare campaigns for vulnerable groups.

We are awaiting feedback from other institutions. I am taking this opportunity to appeal to other organizations to place their trust in the WHO. We are a leading health organization with proven technical expertise in health matters and established internal mechanisms and procedures. The WHO is an accountable organization with functioning accountability mechanisms.

I invite them to join us in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility to support high-impact interventions that will strengthen the resilience of the national health system, guarantee quality care to the very last mile, bring joy and smiles to vulnerable health groups, and accelerate the country's progress towards universal health coverage. I also extend this call for local resource mobilization to other agencies and institutions, including UNICEF, UNFPA, WFP, and others, so that each of these organizations can, within its area of ​​comparative advantage, provide the necessary support to the Government to improve the performance of the health system and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It is within this framework that we are working to support the Ministry of Health and Population in strengthening public-private partnerships and South-South cooperation to mobilize the resources needed by the national health system.

What role does scientific research play in the public health strategies supported by the WHO, and which innovative projects developed in the Republic of Congo do you think deserve to be more valued and supported?

Scientific research plays a central role in the strategies of the World Health Organization (WHO). High-quality research, based on sound scientific evidence, is essential to improving population health, reducing health inequalities, and enabling the WHO to achieve its fundamental goal: bringing all people to the highest possible level of health. At a time when needs are immense and resources limited, it is crucial that public health policies and practices be grounded in the best available scientific knowledge.

This requirement is fully aligned with the Regional Health Research Strategy 2016-2025, adopted by the WHO African Member States at the 65th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. In general, scientific research remains underdeveloped in our countries, primarily due to a lack of funding. Therefore, the WHO recommends that 5% of the health sector budget be allocated to research, in order to support knowledge production and innovation for the benefit of health systems.

In the Republic of Congo, the recent creation of a ministry in charge of scientific research is an important step forward that will help strengthen the national environment for research and innovation.

To date, the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research (FCRM), led by Professor Francine Ntoumi, remains one of the country's most emblematic institutions in the field of health research. Through the quality of its work and its international reach, it is a source of pride for the Republic of Congo and deserves greater support and recognition.

It is within this framework that we are working to support the Ministry of Health and Population in strengthening public-private partnerships and South-South cooperation in order to mobilize the resources that the national health system needs.

What are the WHO's strategic priorities for the Republic of Congo in the coming years?

In December 2025, the Government of the Republic of Congo and the WHO launched the new 2025-2028 Cooperation Strategy, which serves as a joint roadmap to support the transformation of the health system over the coming years. Aligned with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this strategy reflects our shared ambition to build a more efficient, equitable, and resilient health system that serves all populations.

This strategy is structured around four strategic priorities, namely: promoting better health and well-being of populations; strengthening national capacities in governance, health financing and human capital development with a view to universal health coverage; strengthening health security, prevention and response to epidemics, as well as the "One Health" approach; and finally, strengthening the implementation of primary health care, the provision of quality care and health equity at all stages of life.

Through these priorities, we want to contribute to the realization of the vision of "Health for all" championed by His Excellency Denis Sassou N'Guesso, President of the Republic, Head of State, and participate in building a strong, resilient health system capable of effectively meeting the health needs of communities.

What message would you like to send to policymakers, health professionals, and technical and financial partners, and what is your vision for the future of public health in the Republic of Congo?

To policymakers, I would first like to express my congratulations on the vision of "health for all," establishing health as one of the major national priorities of the national development policy. I commend the significant efforts made to build a modern and adequately distributed hospital network across the departments. My appeal will be to request that interventions be strengthened for the implementation of primary healthcare with a strong community health component. The WHO reiterates its availability and unwavering commitment to being a readily available, dedicated, reliable, and accountable partner in supporting the implementation of the national health development plan. I ask technical and financial partners to continue to place their trust in the WHO. We will continue to play our leading and coordinating role among health partners. I request that financial resources be made available to the WHO and other partners to support the Government in improving the performance of the national health system. As for healthcare professionals, I ask them to continue their efforts for the quality and safety of care in our healthcare facilities and for the health and well-being in our communities.

The WHO and its partners will continue to support you in this noble mission. In terms of vision, my work and commitment are to support the vision of national authorities regarding health and development. In this spirit, I will strive to ensure that the strategic and operational interventions of this vision are aligned with the strategic priorities of the WHO's Fourteenth General Programme of Work: health promotion, protection of communities against health emergencies, and the provision of quality healthcare for universal health coverage.

If you had to summarize the WHO's mission in Congo in one sentence, what message would you like to convey to the Congolese population?

The mission of WHO Congo, which I lead, is to work with the government and various stakeholders to ensure that every Congolese person, wherever they are in the national territory, and whatever their economic status, can receive in real time the quality care they need, when they need it, and without any kind of hassle.