In Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, the celebration of International Women's Day is marked by women wearing traditional cloth, raising the question of whether the day is about the cloth or women's rights. While some see it as a day to celebrate femininity and women's achievements, others, like writer Huguette Nganga Massanga, argue it should focus on the serious issue of advocating for women's rights. The 43rd international edition of Women's Rights Day aligns with the UN Women's Generation Equality campaign, emphasizing fundamental rights for all women.

Pointe-Noire, the economic capital of Congo, hosted the first scientific congress on emerging and re-emerging viral infections from October 25 to 27, 2019. The event brought together experts to discuss epidemics such as chikungunya, which recently affected Pointe-Noire and Kouilou. Dr. Raphaël Taty-Taty reported a decrease in chikungunya cases, while other diseases like rabies and Ebola were also topics of discussion. The need for better disease mapping, early diagnosis, and stronger health systems was emphasized. Professor Benjamin Longo-Mbenza called for collaboration in 'one health' veterinary medicine, and Professor Pierre Saliou highlighted the consequences of insufficient vaccination coverage. The World Health Organization's announcement of the eradication of wild poliovirus type 3 was noted, with only type 1 remaining in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The medical staff in Kouilou expressed concerns over the lack of rapid tests for chikungunya and urged for cooperation to prevent its spread. Despite recent epidemics of polio and chikungunya, experts advise continued vigilance.