THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Click to watch video

Health Care

According to the World Health Organization, Ebola and measles killed at least 1,680 and 5,000, and also cholera killed 260 people. Measles and cholera contaminated 310,000 and 12,000 people each. However, constant conflict and violence made other countries not willing to resolve the situation. (“Everything You Need to Know”).

Education

The government introduced “free primary education,” which could help children to improve the quality of life. However, free primary education, which is enforced by law, could not succeed due to a lack of funds, planning, and infrastructure for elementary schools. Teachers accused the government since they increased attendance without their consent. Finally, teachers’ strikes made the hundred of schools close. (“Everything You Need to Know”).

Detention

Because prisons were extremely underfunded and overpopulated, many people died in prisons. At least 120 prisons died from starvation, unclean water, and lack of healthcare. In addition, over 300 detainees disappeared from prisons in Kongo-Central. (“Everything You Need to Know”).

Debt

Although the Congo funded by China, they are still in the situation of having debt that was 88% of GDP including 62% for external debt. Therefore, within one year, the arrears was increased from 8% to 21% in 2019. (Developing Africa's Workforce for the Future 147).