### Strengthening of health surveillance at the borders: one step towards security in the DRC
On April 14, 2025, the International Port of Matadi was the scene of a ceremony marking the inauguration of new health control infrastructure, an event which is part of a broader framework of health development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This initiative, supported by the International Organization for Migration (OIM) and the World Bank, aims to set up supervised surveillance mechanisms to meet the growing health issues that the country is faced.
#### A crucial health issue
The DRC, the second largest country in Africa and rich in its biodiversity, in particular thanks to its vast equatorial forest, presents unique challenges in terms of public health. Transfronner threats, such as epidemics of infectious diseases, are exacerbated by border porosity and often insufficient infrastructure to deal with these crises. In this sense, Dr. Yoba Yona, provincial coordinator of the National Border Hygiene Program (PNHF), stressed that the country has historically had almost zero capacities in terms of disease surveillance at entry points. This gap raises essential questions about the resilience of the health system in the face of crises.
#### Infrastructure at the service of health
The new installations inaugurated in Matadi include offices, meeting rooms, deposits, laboratories and isolation rooms adapted to various types of cases, whether human or animal. This multidisciplinary approach recognizes the interconnection between human, animal and environmental health, and is part of a “One Health” logic that seeks to harmonize disease prevention efforts.
The importance of these infrastructures is not only in their physical construction. As Ovide Nuambote, provincial health minister, pointed out, this building is a symbol of transformation. He embodies the idea that public health should not be considered as a simple set of reactive measures, but as a proactive investment in the quality of life of the populations.
#### An ambitious project, but challenges to take up
Although this initiative is to be welcomed, it should not hide the persistent challenges of the health sector in the DRC. The lack of qualified human resources, gaps in the vaccine distribution chain, and the need for increased awareness of communities remain obstacles to effective monitoring. The implementation of such projects requires a rigorous evaluation of local needs and a lasting commitment to the training of health workers.
An integration of the different stakeholders is also essential. The collaboration between health authorities, international agencies and local communities must be strengthened to guarantee an appropriation of infrastructure by the population, a sine qua non to ensure their success.
#### Prospects for the future
The inauguration of this health control infrastructure represents a significant step towards better organization of public health in the DRC. However, it would be relevant to follow the real impact of this project on the health of local populations and to question its long -term sustainability.
What will be the measures put in place to ensure the maintenance and proper functioning of these installations? How will health authorities assess and adapt strategies according to epidemiological developments? These questions should not be elected, because they are crucial to ensure a real return on investment in the field of public health.
In conclusion, the strengthening of the capacity for health surveillance at the border in the DRC is a remarkable advance, but it will have to be part of a continuous approach to improve and adaptation. The commitment of the various actors, both local and international, will be decisive to transform this promise of a robust health system into a tangible reality for the Congolese population.