### Workshop of sports medicine in Kikwit: a step towards the professionalization of local sport
The city of Kikwit, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently welcomed a training workshop dedicated to sports medicine, testifying to an important initiative for the health and well-being of athletes. Organized by the Union of Doctors of Congo (Umeco) in collaboration with the University of Kikwit (Unikik), this event is part of a context where the development of sports infrastructure and the training of caregivers is essential for the promotion of sport at all levels.
### Context and objectives of the workshop
From June 6 to 7, 2025, around thirty participants, including doctors, nurses, trainers and coaches, gathered to train in the basics of sports medicine. Dr. Donat Kuma Kuma Kuma, as a chief doctor of the provincial Kwilu health division, said this training aims to strengthen the skills of young doctors in the management of muscle disease, both in athletes and in the general population.
Dr. Dominique Tshikabu Tontodi, president of UMECO, also stressed the importance of training the speakers in sport in the delivery of first aid in the event of injury. This concern has a human dimension because it affects the security and well-being of athletes, which represent the future of sport in the region.
### Themes addressed: towards a holistic approach
The workshop has covered several fundamental themes for better management of athletes. Among these, we find the filling of medico-sporting control sheets, medial consultations before and after the season, as well as assessments of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and ophthalmological systems. Taking sports psychology into account and the composition of rescue kits on the ground were also discussed, stressing the need for an approach integrated into the well-being of athletes.
On this occasion, it is important to recognize that these training courses contribute not only to the security of sportsmen, but also to the elevation of the general level of local sports. They mark a step towards professionalization and structuring of sport in Kikwit and beyond.
### The challenges of sports medicine in the DRC
One of the main challenges faced with the development of sports medicine in the Democratic Republic of Congo is limited access to specialized resources and infrastructure. Although Kikwit’s initiative is commendable, the question arises: how will these newly acquired skills be put into practice on the field? Do local sports clubs have the necessary equipment to effectively treat injury, or financial means to access complex medical care?
In addition, the commitment of the authorities and stakeholders to support such initiatives is crucial. The development of sport in a region requires synergy between the various actors, ranging from governments to educational institutions, including the private sector and community organizations.
### Future prospects
Kikwit’s initiative could serve as a model for other DRC provinces, where sports are becoming a vector of social cohesion and economic dynamism. Reinforced support for training in sports medicine and improving sports infrastructure could stimulate interest in sport at all levels. The partnership between Umeco and Unikik could be extended to include other areas of health and education, promoting a multidisciplinary approach that benefits the community as a whole.
In conclusion, the Kikwit sports medicine workshop represents a significant step towards better health of athletes and an increased awareness of the challenges of sports medicine. As this movement grows, it is imperative that all votes are heard and that the necessary resources are mobilized to guarantee the sustainability of these efforts. Athletes are not just representatives of their sport; They are also ambassadors of change and progress, both personal and collectively.