Title: The challenges of operationalizing the Public Health law in the DRC
Introduction :
From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene Prevention organized a workshop to operationalize the law on Public Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This initiative aims to put in place the necessary enforcement measures for the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system and the International Health Regulations. This step marks a crucial moment in the realization of the promise of President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and in the improvement of the country’s health system.
The objectives of the workshop:
The workshop brought together around thirty experts, including senior officials and lawyers from the Ministry of Health. Their mission was to identify the legal needs for the operationalization of the Public Health law, to raise awareness among participants on the importance of taking implementing measures to guarantee universal health coverage and health security, and to identify the services involved in implementing these measures.
Integration of the Universal Health Coverage system:
The Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention stressed that the integration of the Universal Health Coverage system into the Public Health law is a major step forward. This makes the implementation process irreversible and meets the population’s expectations in terms of access to health care. Universal Health Coverage is one of President Tshisekedi’s flagship promises, and its realization marks a major step in the transformation of the health system in the DRC.
Roadmap and next steps:
The workshop experts worked together to establish a roadmap for the drafting and adoption of measures to implement the Public Health law. This roadmap will constitute a guide to accelerate the process of developing and adopting the necessary measures. In the next steps, a technical commission will be set up to implement this roadmap and ensure the consistency and efficiency of the process.
Conclusion :
The workshop to operationalize the Public Health law in the DRC made it possible to take an important step in the establishment of the Universal Health Coverage system and the International Health Regulations. The implementation measures that will be developed in the coming months will play a key role in improving access to health care for all Congolese citizens. The path towards quality public health in the DRC is underway, and this progress is a breath of hope for the entire population.