Kinshasa: presentation of a project to raise awareness about unhealthy habits

Kinshasa, June 1^st, 2026 (CPA). – Presentation of a project for the promotion and awareness-raising against habits harmful to health, during a health and well-being fair organised in the Matonge district, in the municipality of Kalamu, in the centre of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it is learned on Monday by an association source. “‘Batela sante na yo » is a project that has been running since 2016. We have seen the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and various harmful habits that expose young people and adults to a range of illnesses. That is why we have launched this project to tell our brothers and sisters the truth, so that they become aware of the risks associated with their actions and take charge of their own health,” has declared Mimi Kumbu, president of the foundation that bears her name. According to her, many diseases can be prevented through the adoption of healthy eating habits and a better understanding of the risk factors that can affect people’s health. Also advocating for the sustainable use of natural resources, Ms Kumbu has highlighted the importance of medicinal plants in preventing certain ailments. “God has given us plants as a treasure. If we return to this treasure and incorporate it into our way of life, we will be able to live longer. We must learn to look after our health using the resources that nature provides us with,” she has argued. For his part, the director of the ‘Batela santé na yo’ Health and Wellbeing Fair, Mr Lord Kindomba, has made an appeal to public and private partners to support this health awareness initiative. “Every business or organisation exists to serve people. When the population is not in good health, it cannot consume products or fully benefit from services. We invite everyone to join this cause, which concerns the entire Congolese population,” he has declared. Furthermore, the project’s initiator has invited the Congolese people to participate en masse in a major awareness campaign scheduled for August 15^th, 2026, in Kinshasa. “I call on all Congolese men and women to come in large numbers on August 15^th to the esplanade of the People’s Palace to learn about health and prevention issues. The diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney failure affect many families today. It is time to prioritise prevention to protect lives,” has indicated Mimi Kumbu. With this in mind, she has requested the support of the relevant authorities to make the esplanade of the Palais du Peuple (People’s Palace) available for the organisation of this large-scale awareness-raising event. “We are appealing to the authorities to support us in this initiative. We are not selling anything; we are spreading a message of prevention. Many people die due to a lack of knowledge. We wish to use this space to inform the public about the benefits of natural plants and ways to maintain good health,” has concluded the project’s initiator. The Health and Wellbeing Fair has brought together numerous participants to discuss topics related to prevention, health education and the promotion of good practices that foster wellbeing and improve public health.