Tuberculosis in the Belgian Congo (1904-1959)

Tuberculosis, was a disease unknown by the Congolese populations before colonization, it was introduced into the Congo around the beginning of the XIX century by Europeans, Asians and mercantis from the East African coast. Its wide spread was favoured by the Europeans and Asians who criss-crossed the Congo. In addition, the brutal swarming was caused by the Congolese because of their ignorance of the rules of hygiene and the mediocrity of their living conditions. Tuberculosis endemicity was a significant factor in morbidity and mortality. That is why it had promoted the repatriation of Europeans to Europe to pursue health care and prevent the multiplication of tuberculosis outbreaks in the country. As a result, the authorities institutionalized the fight against tuberculosis control. This control proved to be effective despite the absence, until around 1947, of a truly safe and reliable treatment.