Congo’s Minister of Health Visits Pokola: Advancing Healthcare for Indigenous Communities
Olam Agri’s wood business, Congolaise Industrielle Des Bois (CIB), had the honor of welcoming His Excellency Professor Jean-Rosaire Ibara, Minister of Health and Population of the Republic of Congo, to Pokola for a milestone visit focused on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding services for Indigenous communities.
During his visit, Prof. Ibara toured our modern medical facilities, which provide general medicine, maternity care, essential surgery, and specialised treatment. He gained firsthand insights into the challenges Indigenous communities face, including limited access to specialised care and high HIV/AIDS rates — reinforcing the urgency of targeted healthcare initiatives.
At the boarding house for Indigenous patients, launched in 2024, Prof. Ibara met with beneficiaries who shared how the facility has helped families stay close to their loved ones during medical treatment.
Two major agreements were formalised to enhance healthcare in the region:
- “Alliance Santé Likouala” Partnership (sponsored by Adentra)—to modernise health centres, train medical staff, and improve access to hygiene and clean water.
- Memorandum of Understanding for the Renovation of CSI Mimbeli—ensuring critical facility upgrades and enhanced medical services.
These agreements mark a significant step in improving healthcare access across the region. With the support of global partners, we remain committed to providing free healthcare, upgrading medical facilities, and expanding essential health services in the communities we serve.
At Olam Agri, we believe sustainable development goes beyond responsible forestry—it’s about investing in people. Strengthening healthcare access is fundamental to improving livelihoods, and we are proud to collaborate with the government and our partners to make a lasting impact.
Vincent Istace,
Head of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability
ADENTRA's investment in the region's healthcare infrastructure demonstrates our commitment to ethical sourcing and corporate social responsibility. Beyond the humanitarian value of improving access to essential medical services for underserved communities, we are investing in the well-being of the populations and ecosystems that are the source of our products. This type of support helps strengthen the resilience of supply chains while ensuring that our sourcing practices meet compliance requirements and the growing expectations of customers regarding social responsibility.
Dan Figgins,
Vice President of Adentra
