**Fatshimetrie: Health crisis at Kenge Central Prison**
The Kenge Central Prison, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is currently in the midst of a worrying health crisis. In less than a week, four inmates have died, raising concern and the need for a thorough investigation. Among these deaths, two were attributed to tuberculosis, a highly contagious respiratory disease.
The alarming situation has prompted local authorities to react, aware of the dangers posed by prison overcrowding and the potential spread of infectious diseases. Built to accommodate 35 inmates during the colonial era, Kenge Prison now houses 227 prisoners, 80 of whom are convicts. This overcrowding puts unsustainable pressure on health infrastructure and increases the risks of spreading diseases.
Timothée Nzundu, provincial Minister of Justice, said he was launching a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances of these deaths and assess the health situation within the prison. The authorities’ commitment to determining the causes of death and taking preventive measures is a testament to the seriousness of the situation.
The rapid intervention of a medical team to perform diagnostics and assess the extent of contamination is essential to limit the risks of spreading tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. The health of prisoners must be a top priority, regardless of their legal status, in order to ensure dignified detention conditions that respect human rights.
The health crisis at Kenge Central Prison highlights the challenges facing many prisons around the world. The urgency of the situation underlines the need to invest in adequate health infrastructure, combat prison overcrowding and ensure detention conditions that respect human dignity.
It is imperative that concrete measures are taken to prevent further tragedies and guarantee the health and safety of prisoners. Transparency in the management of this crisis and the involvement of all actors are essential to ensure an effective and sustainable response to this emergency.