Includes health and sanitation standards within the country, as well as any potential health risks that businesspeople should be aware of. Includes any mandatory or highly recommended vaccinations.
Last Published: 7/24/2017

Potential health hazards are widespread in tropical Africa and greatly impact the local population.  Most business travelers will have few difficulties if they secure proper immunizations, take an anti-malarial medication and stick to some basic rules, including drinking only bottled water and seeing a doctor at the first sign of malaria.  Traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of death or serious injury, given poor road conditions, bad driving habits and the lack of emergency services.  Guidebooks for Africa have good information and there are several health manuals for international travelers.  Specific information is available from the international traveler’s hotline, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta (tel: +1-404-332-4559).  Medical facilities are limited, and medicine is in short supply.  Full and immediate cash payment is expected for health services.  Not all American medical insurance is valid outside the U.S.; supplemental insurance with overseas coverage may be necessary.

For more health information regarding the DRC, please consult the Center for Disease Control.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.