Kinshasa, February 23rd, 2026 (CPA) – More than 100 detainees suffering from cholera at Makala Central Prison are currently being receiving care by the Congolese government, CPA has learned on Monday from a statement issued by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).
‘As part of the intensified response to cholera in prisons, the General Director of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Mwamba Kazadi, has made a field visit to Makala Central Prison, where 130 detainees are currently being receiving care’, it is read in the press release. According to the source, this mission had the objective of assessing the epidemiological situation, evaluating the conditions of patient care and identifying priority measures to interrupt the chain of transmission in this highly promiscuous environment.
On his arrival, the General Director of the INSP has been welcomed by the Director of the Cholera Programme, the Incident Manager of the Cholera Incident Management System (IMS) and several experts involved in the response. A working session with the prison’s Director has provided an opportunity to review the evolution of cases, logistical needs and operational challenges. The delegation has visited Ward 11B, where patients are interned according to treatment plans A, B and C, in accordance with national protocols. The visit then continued to the prison hospital and the medicine storage warehouse. Once there, the General Director of the INSP has expressed his satisfaction with the hygiene conditions and compliance with storage standards for supplies.
Official handover of a batch of medicines for the treatment of cholera
In addition, the General Director of the INSP has however officially handed over a batch of medicines and supplies for the proper treatment of cholera at Makala Central Prison. « A highlight of the mission was the official handover of a batch of essential medicines and supplies by the General Director of the INSP, on behalf of the Congolese Government, through the Ministry in charge of Public Health. This strategic support aims to improve the quality of care and strengthen preventive measures within the prison, » the statement has indicated.
Welcoming this initiative, the prison director has expressed his satisfaction and emphasized that this high-level visit is a strong signal of the commitment of the national health authorities. The General Director of the INSP has, for his part, reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to providing long-term support to the prison in quickly bringing the epidemic under control, assuring that all the complaints made had been taken into account and would be followed up appropriately. This mission is part of the national drive to intensify the fight against cholera, with particular attention being paid to high-risk environments, in order to permanently eradicate the epidemic and protect the entire prison population. CPA/