[Insertion of title]: Free maternity in the DRC: an ambitious project to improve the health of women and newborns
[Introduction]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces many challenges in terms of maternal and child health. The maternal and infant mortality rate in the country is alarming, highlighting the critical need to improve access to health care for pregnant women and newborns. It is in this context that the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi launched an ambitious program of free maternity in Kinshasa, with the aim of making maternal and child health services accessible to all, without any financial constraint. In this article, we will explore the details of this program and its potential impact on the health of women and newborns in the DRC.
[Presentation of the free maternity program]
The free maternity program launched by President Félix Tshisekedi is part of Universal Health Coverage, a central pillar of his government’s five-year program. The objective is to provide quality health care to pregnant women and newborns, without any financial burden. The pilot phase of the project was launched in Kinshasa, due to its population density and high rates of maternal and infant mortality. However, President Tshisekedi stressed that the program will gradually be extended to other provinces of the DRC.
[Doubts and expectations around free maternity]
Despite the laudable move to make maternity free, some Kinshasa residents are expressing doubts about the effectiveness and sustainability of the program. There are concerns about the quality of health services offered, as well as the remuneration of health professionals who will work voluntarily. Indeed, it is essential to guarantee decent working conditions and fair wages for nurses and doctors, in order to maintain the quality of care.
[President Tshisekedi’s commitment and program funding]
President Tshisekedi reaffirmed his commitment to improving the living and working conditions of health providers, stressing that funding for the program will be provided by the Congolese government itself. In addition, thanks to the financial support of the World Bank, it is planned to extend the coverage of quality care in other provinces of the country, such as Kwilu, Kasaï, Kasaï central and Sud-Kivu, before the end of the current year.
[Conclusion]
The free maternity program in the DRC is a promising initiative to improve the health of pregnant women and newborns in the country. By making maternal and child health services accessible to all, without any financial constraints, the government is trying to reduce the alarming rates of maternal and child mortality by providing quality care. However, it is crucial to ensure decent working conditions and fair remuneration for volunteer health workers. If the program is implemented effectively and sustainably, it could mark a significant turning point in improving the health of women and newborns in the DRC.