### Strengthen response to epidemics in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a crucial partnership
On May 28, 2025, a significant event took place in Kinshasa, where the French Red Cross (CRF) presented tools dedicated to the response against epidemics. This initiative is part of a context where the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces health challenges of significant magnitude, exacerbated by sometimes insufficient infrastructures and recurring humanitarian crises.
Grégoire Mateso, president of the Red Cross of the DRC (CRDC), said that the tools offered by the CRF aim to develop not only material capacities, but above all intellectual and practical skills. This raises a fundamental question: to what extent can the training and development of capacity really improve the management of epidemics in a country where logistical and social challenges are omnipresent?
### A vulnerability context
The DRC, with its vast territories and its diversified population, is often confronted with the resurgence of epidemics of diseases such as meningitis, Ebola or cholera. These problems are not simply public health issues, but also reflect broader social issues, including access to drinking water, health education, and economic inequalities. The training of local actors, like that proposed by the CRF, could contribute to better anticipation and response to these crises. Moreover, the concept of evaluation of vulnerability of improved capacities (VCA) mentioned by Sylvaine Lebas, coordinator of CRF programs, appears as an essential instrument to identify and mitigate these vulnerabilities.
## collaboration at the heart of the answer
The collaboration between the CRF and the CRDC represents an action model that could inspire other stakeholders in the region. The development of coordination capacities, as Mr. MATESO points out, is a critical aspect of this approach. This also raises questions about possible synergies between different humanitarian, governmental and community organizations. How to maximize these collaborations? What are the knowledge sharing mechanisms that can be put in place to provide a more effective response to health crises?
### The challenges of training and adaptation
The update of training modules with psychological first aid, in order to adapt them to the epidemic context, is an appreciable step. However, this requires continuous reflection on practices and lessons learned during previous crises. What are the “bad habits” mentioned by Mr. Mateso? It would be wise to analyze these practices to learn from them that could shed light on the future of health interventions in the DRC.
### The need for sustainable support
The Multi-Pays of Riposte program, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), illustrates the importance of constant international support in public health initiatives. However, the sustainability of these initiatives raises questions. What is the duration of this commitment and how to make sure that the capacity developed will remain in place after the end of this program? The empowerment of local structures is crucial to guarantee resilience in the face of future epidemics.
### Conclusion: a route to trace together
The presentation of the tools of response to epidemics by the French Red Cross is a positive step towards better management of health crises in the DRC. However, for this initiative to be truly effective, it will be necessary to go beyond the simple transmission of knowledge. A cooperative reflection, involving all stakeholders, will be essential to meet the complex challenges posed by epidemics in a country like the DRC.
It is imperative to cultivate a constant and constructive dialogue, not only between humanitarian actors, but also with the communities themselves. It is only through a shared understanding of the realities on the ground that sustainable and adapted solutions will be able to emerge. Health issues cannot be treated in isolation; They must be integrated into a broader framework of social and economic development. The road is still long, but the commitment of the various actors today can lay the foundations for a healthier future for the Congolese population.