Title: “Free maternity in the DRC: a step towards better public health”
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently implemented an ambitious measure to improve access to maternal health care: free maternity care. This initiative, launched by President Félix Tshisekedi as part of the national universal health coverage (UHC) strategy, aims to guarantee quality care to all women and newborns during the perinatal period. To assess the implementation of this measure, the Minister of Public Health, Samuel Roger Kamba, carried out an inspection visit to various health establishments.
Committed healthcare providers:
During his visit, the Minister of Health was satisfied with the commitment and efficiency of healthcare providers. The latter face operational difficulties due to the massive influx of the population, but they are getting more involved to guarantee the continued success of free maternity. This translates into increased management of prenatal consultations, difficult deliveries and cesarean sections.
Encouraging results:
In the Kintambo maternity ward, for example, more than 560 cases of prenatal consultations have been recorded since the start of free maternity ward, as well as the care of 9 newborns, more than 40 cases of difficult deliveries and 51 cesareans. These figures demonstrate the positive impact of this measure on maternal health in the DRC.
Towards better public health:
Free maternity in the DRC is an important step towards improving public health in the country. By guaranteeing access to quality care during the perinatal period, this measure contributes to reducing complications linked to pregnancy and childbirth, as well as preventing maternal and infant mortality.
Conclusion :
The inspection visit by the Minister of Public Health as part of the implementation of free maternity in the DRC confirms the commitment of healthcare providers and the encouraging results obtained so far. This measure represents an important step towards better public health, guaranteeing access to quality care for all women and newborns. The DRC is resolutely committed to achieving universal health coverage and improving maternal and child health indicators.