As the cholera epidemic resurfaces in several provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) has taken concrete steps to limit the spread of the disease at its operational sites in Lokutu (Tshopo province), Yaligimba (Mongala province), and Boteka (Équateur province), as well as at its headquarters in Kinshasa. These actions aim to protect workers, their families, and neighboring communities, while supporting the Congolese government’s efforts in tackling this health crisis.
Immediate Mobilization to Limit the Spread of the Epidemic
Measures implemented include the distribution of hygiene kits containing soap and water treatment products, along with the installation of handwashing facilities in high-traffic areas.
But beyond equipment, the company emphasizes health education: large-scale awareness sessions were organized in July across its three sites to inform communities about transmission methods, symptoms, and proper hygiene practices. These sessions were followed by field campaigns featuring visual displays in offices, hospitals, and clinics.
“For us, it is essential to intensify awareness among workers, who then relay these messages to their families. Cholera is a contagious disease, and in a communal environment like ours, prevention is our best defense. If everyone applies good hygiene practices, we can contain its spread,” says Dr. Reagan Ngia Moke, a physician at PHC’s general hospital in Boteka.
PHC: A Key Player in Public Health
PHC’s commitment to public health is not new. The company recently contributed to the Congolese government’s efforts to curb the Monkeypox (MPOX) epidemic, confirming its pivotal role in responding to health emergencies. Present in provinces affected by the epidemic, particularly Equateur, Mongala, and Tshopo, the company operates an extensive hospital network comprising 4 modern hospitals with a total capacity of 460 beds, 3 health centers, and 18 clinics providing essential healthcare to approximately 150,000 households.
By deploying its resources in the fight against cholera, PHC reaffirms its commitment to addressing major health crises in the DRC, while contributing to strengthening the healthcare system in rural areas where needs are most urgent.
