** Bandundu: The problem of the inspection of slaughter and public health **
The report recently published by the ACP raises a question that deserves serious attention: 60 % of animals slaughtered in Bandundu escape the control of the inspection services, according to Alain Malengila, urban fishing and breeding inspector. This situation raises concerns about the food security and public health of the populations of this Kwilu region, in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
### a worrying context
The absence of a appropriate Bandundu slaughterhouse not only hinders the control of slaughter conditions, but also exposes the population to the consumption of potentially contaminated meat. Mr. Malengila’s declaration highlights an essential point: between 60 and 70 % of human pathologies have animal origin. Thus, the link between the food environment and public health cannot be underestimated.
Veterinary expertise is crucial to guarantee the quality of products intended for consumption. In a context where zoonotic diseases (those transmitted from animals to humans) are increasing, it is necessary to establish an effective framework for surveillance and control. This situation not only evokes the need for adequate infrastructure, but also those of broader public health policies.
### The consequences of the lack of control
The impacts of this gap are not limited to the potability of meat. Indeed, clandestine sale of meat can also harm the local economy. The lower quality of the products can compromise consumer confidence and encourage them to turn to other sources, potentially illegal or dangerous.
In addition, the sale of uncontrolled meat can increase inequalities on the market. The slaughterhouses that respect quality standards are disadvantaged by unfair competition from those who do not operate in compliance with the regulations. In the long term, this situation could lead to a loss of income for those who strive to respect the rules, thus affecting the entire community.
### What possible solutions?
Mr. Malengila’s declaration calls for collective reflection. He evokes the need to build a pavilion for the purchase and sale of fish and animals, which could promote better health control and a regulated operation. It is an interesting track, which deserves to be deepened. Indeed, such a space could not only guarantee a minimum of sanitary standards, but also serve as a place of education for slaughterhouses and consumers on the importance of the quality of meat.
This also raises questions about the role of local authorities in the regulation of this sector. What mechanisms can be put in place to encourage both public health and economic vitality? A global strategy, including raising awareness of slaughterhouses and consumers, could make it possible to find a balance between the practice of local trade and the protection of public health.
### A call to collective responsibility
In this context, it is essential to adopt a collaborative approach. Public health officials, veterinarians, farmers and local populations must be involved in the discussion to find lasting solutions. Governments and non -governmental organizations can play a key role by providing their technical and financial support for the implementation of adequate slaughterhouses and a solid regulatory framework.
Finally, it is fundamental to strengthen the awareness of the population on the risks associated with the consumption of uncontrolled meat. An informed population is an equipped population to make informed choices, which can help reduce health risks.
### Conclusion
The situation observed in Bandundu is symptomatic of broader challenges to which several regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo are faced with food security and public health. It calls for concerted action and in -depth reflection on the means of guaranteeing the quality of food products while supporting the vitality of local economies. In this regard, the search for collective solutions, based on listening and dialogue, could be fundamental to guarantee a healthy and prosperous future for Bandundu and its surroundings.