Title: Operationalization of the public health law in DR Congo: A step towards Universal Health Coverage
Introduction :
From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene Prevention of the Democratic Republic of Congo organized a workshop aimed at the operationalization of the public health law. These measures, integrated into Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018, were modified and supplemented by Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of March 3, 2023. The objective of this workshop was to establish a roadmap for the drafting and adoption of implementing measures for these legal texts, with a view to the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in DR Congo.
Experts committed to effective implementation:
The workshop brought together around thirty experts, including directors and heads of departments of directorates and programs of the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention, as well as representatives of public structures and establishments such as the Studies and Planning Directorate (DEP), the Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate (DSE), the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) and the National Institute of Health (INSP).
During these meetings, participants were able to identify the legal needs for the operationalization of the public health law, raise awareness among stakeholders on the importance of taking implementation measures taking into account the link between Universal Health Coverage and health security, as well as identifying the services involved in the implementation of these measures.
A roadmap to accelerate the adoption of enforcement measures:
Following the discussions and exchanges during the workshop, a roadmap was established for the drafting and adoption of measures for implementing the public health law. This roadmap will serve as a guide for the next steps in implementing these measures.
The Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention, Dr Roger Kabamba, praised the work accomplished by the experts and underlined the importance of this progress in the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system in DR Congo. He also announced the establishment of a technical commission responsible for implementing the roadmap, in order to accelerate the development and adoption of the necessary implementation measures.
Conclusion :
The operationalization of the public health law in DR Congo marks an important step in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the country. Through this workshop, experts were able to identify legal needs and put in place a roadmap for the adoption of enforcement measures. This progress demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to improving access to health care and promoting the well-being of the population.. The establishment of the technical commission will make it possible to accelerate this process and realize the vision of more effective and more accessible public health for all Congolese.