Like several other large African states, the Democratic Republic of the Congo scores relatively well for lifestyle risk factors, leading the continent in its low rates of alcohol consumption. A much bigger issue is instead the wider societal issues which impact health system sustainability. As a country which has faced considerable conflict, poverty and mistrust in government are severe ecosystem issues which need concerted efforts. Improving infrastructure to support access to basic utilities, such as water, electricity, and internet, would greatly improve the situation in the DRC. The state of maternal and child health despite the level of births attended by skilled personnel indicates that improving midwifery training could improve health service delivery indicators related to maternal and child health.