Article: The implementation of free maternity and newborn care in the DRC: a major social advance
Since the launch of the free maternity and newborn care program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Félix Tshisekedi regularly recalls the importance of supporting this initiative as part of the implementation of universal health coverage. This reform, which aims to improve access to basic health care for the most vulnerable populations, marks an unprecedented step forward in the country.
According to the minutes of the 112th meeting of the council, the effective start of free maternity and newborn care will make it possible to guarantee quality care for all pregnant women, as well as for newborns during their first months of life. This public policy provides for the gradual implementation of the technical, budgetary and financial tools necessary to improve the social protection system.
To implement this historic reform, President Félix Tshisekedi gave clear instructions: the Prime Minister will have to issue two decrees, one defining the basic general care package for all Congolese, and the other establishing a national medicine purchasing service. The Minister of Budget must ensure the availability of the funds necessary to ensure free childbirth in the State budget for the 2024 financial year. The Minister of Finance must make public all funds allocated to the implementation of the coverage universal health care and accelerate the compulsory levy procedure for civil servants and the private sector to expand the care package.
Free maternity and newborn care is the first part of the implementation of universal health coverage in the DRC, in accordance with axes 49 and 50 of the Sama Lukonde government program adopted in the National Assembly. After the city province of Kinshasa, the government is awaiting additional funding from the World Bank in order to extend this measure to other provinces. The goal is to reach 13 provinces by the end of 2023.
This initiative raises many hopes for improving access to health care in the DRC. However, its implementation requires close collaboration between different stakeholders and effective resource management. Congolese society and the international community are closely following this major social reform, which could mark a turning point in the Congolese health system.
In conclusion, the implementation of free maternity and newborn care in the DRC is a major social advance. Through this reform, the government wishes to guarantee quality care to the most vulnerable pregnant women and newborns.. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the effective implementation of the necessary tools and resources, as well as the cooperation of all stakeholders involved.