Systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis C virus infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo

•Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is endemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).•We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide updated information on HCV infection in the DRC.•HCV remains an issue of public concern in the DRC.•HCV infection might spread in the DRC through unsafe medical procedures including blood transfusions.•Our results suggest a rolling out of adequate hepatitis control programs in the DRC.