2024-01-24 11:06:00
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“It took us more than three hours to reach the hotel from N’Djili airport, being escorted by the police. We felt that the climate was very tense.”
To cope with these constraints, management therefore decided to temporarily relocate its staff, far from the hustle and bustle of the Congolese capital. The choice fell on a lodge in the heart of the Nsele valley park, 30 km from the main airport of the DRC, or less than an hour by minibus. This 18,000 hectare park is one of the jewels of the region, with its 1,300 wild animals including lions, elephants, hippos and other giraffes and crocodiles. “The temporary location was chosen following in-depth checks by our protection department and in collaboration with our hotac commission (hotel/accommodation, i.e. hotel/accommodation, Editor’s note) which includes union representatives,” explains Joëlle Neeb, spokesperson for the company.
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If the crews, who “generally” spend a night in Kinshasa, have gained peace of mind and have been able to benefit from the beauty of the place, everything will not have been idyllic according to the unions. “The employees slept in tents, certainly provided with all the necessary comfort inside, but they also complained of a significant presence of mosquitoes,” denounces a union source. According to staff representatives, there have been 19 cases of malaria among hostesses, stewards and pilots since this change of accommodation.
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“We will not give details on the number of cases – this is a matter of medical confidentiality between the employee and their doctor – but we can say that it is well below 19”
A figure that Brussels Airlines does not confirm, which however speaks of “a peak” in cases of malaria since the start of the year among its staff. “We will not give details on the number of cases – this is a matter of medical confidentiality between the employee and their doctor – but we can say that it is much lower than 19.” According to Brussels Airlines, the comments were on the contrary “very positive regarding this place, its location (shorter access from/to the airport and in nature) and the accommodation itself”.
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Since this Sunday, January 21, the staff of the Belgian subsidiary of Lufthansa have, however, returned to the Memling Hotel, formerly owned by Sabena. A decision taken in consultation with the unions. Note that cases of malaria are not exceptional among Brussels Airlines staff. “In general, 10 to 15 cases are reported each year,” continues Joëlle Neeb. Brussels Airlines has 17 destinations in sub-Saharan Africa and malaria is present in many of these countries.
The company explains that it raises awareness among its staff “as much as possible” regarding all kinds of tropical diseases, including malaria (the other name for malaria). “We have clear guidelines on preventing mosquito bites and what to do if you experience early symptoms of malaria. Our crews receive appropriate mosquito repellents and medications.” The Brussels Airlines occupational doctor is also “in close contact” with the Antwerp Tropical Institute regarding preventive measures, awareness-raising and advice where necessary.
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