Integrated Hypertension Screening and Care at the DREAM Centre in Kinshasa (N’Sele)

On the outskirts of Kinshasa, in the N’Sele area, the DREAM Centre has for many years been a vital point of reference for people who cannot afford medical care. Here, thousands of individuals receive free assistance for chronic diseases, often in conditions of extreme poverty and with very limited access to health services.

Among the most widespread health problems is hypertension, a silent but highly dangerous disease that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications if not treated in time.

To address this growing challenge, the DREAM Centre launched a project dedicated to the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension, with strong involvement of the local community.

Over an eight-month period, doctors and healthcare workers organized awareness sessions in neighborhoods and markets, explaining what hypertension is, why blood pressure monitoring is important, and how people can protect their health. Many individuals received free blood pressure checks, making it possible to identify numerous cases that had never previously been diagnosed.

Those at higher risk were taken into care by the DREAM Centre and received free treatment, continuous medication, and regular follow-up visits. Thanks to a system of reminders and patient support, no one interrupted their treatment—an especially significant achievement in such a fragile context.

At the same time, the project provided training for local healthcare staff, strengthening medical skills and improving the quality of care, while also promoting healthier lifestyles: balanced diets, reduced salt intake, increased physical activity, and greater attention to risk factors.

In just a few months, the impact was tangible:

• over 3,600 people informed about hypertension

• more than 700 people received free blood pressure checks

• 350 patients received continuous treatment

• thousands of citizens involved in health education activities

The project demonstrates that even in the poorest areas it is possible to prevent serious diseases, save lives, and strengthen local health services, starting from the community itself.

Project Objective
To reduce the burden of hypertension in the N’Sele community through:

• prevention and early diagnosis

• free and continuous care for patients

• better-trained healthcare personnel

• increased awareness of heart health

Main Activities

1. Awareness and free screening

• community and market outreach sessions

• blood pressure measurements

• identification of high-risk cases

2. Care for patients with hypertension

• free medication

• regular medical visits

• continuous patient follow-up

3. Training of healthcare workers

• practical training courses

• medical updates

• improvement of quality of care

4. Health education

• advice on diet and physical activity

• informational materials

• support for patients in adopting healthier lifestyles

Project Funder: European Union through Louvain Cooperation