The operationalization of the public health law in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a workshop to move towards Universal Health Coverage
From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene Prevention organized a crucial workshop for the operationalization of Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018 establishing the fundamental principles relating to the organization of Public Health in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Modified and supplemented to date by Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of March 3, 2023, this law constitutes the basis of the Universal Health Coverage system and the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) in DRC.
This workshop brought together senior officials and lawyers from the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Prevention around several major objectives. First of all, it was a question of identifying the legal needs for the operationalization of these texts. Then, participants were made aware of the importance of taking implementation measures taking into account the link between universal health coverage and health security. Finally, it was a question of identifying the services involved in the matters subject to enforcement measures.
During his speech, the Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention underlined the importance of this step in the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system in the DRC, one of the key promises of President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. He also affirmed that this implementation was irreversible thanks to the modification of Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018 integrating the fundamental principles relating to the organization of the Universal Health Coverage system.
The thirty experts present, including the directors and heads of departments and programs of the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention, worked actively to establish a road map for the drafting and adoption of the measures. application of the aforementioned law. This list of identified enforcement measures will help define next steps and accelerate the process of developing and adopting the necessary enforcement measures.
In the next steps, it is planned to set up a technical commission responsible for implementing the roadmap adopted during this workshop. This commission will play a key role in accelerating the development and adoption of implementation measures necessary for the realization of the Universal Health Coverage system in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This workshop therefore marks an important step forward in the implementation of the public health law in the DRC. It demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to guaranteeing access to health care for all citizens and strengthening the country’s health security.. This initiative will help improve public health in the DRC and achieve the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations.
With the establishment of the technical commission, the next implementation measures can be quickly developed and adopted. This will make it possible to implement the Universal Health Coverage system in the DRC effectively and to provide quality care to all citizens, thus contributing to improving the well-being of the Congolese population.