Title: Operationalization of the Public Health Law in the DRC: towards reinforced Universal Health Coverage
Introduction :
From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention organized a workshop of capital importance for the implementation of the Public Health law in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This event aimed to operationalize law n°18/035 of December 13, 2018, establishing the fundamental principles relating to the organization of Public Health, modified and supplemented by Ordinance-Law n°23/006 of 03 March 2023. This initiative is of crucial importance in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the DRC, a flagship promise of President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. At the end of this workshop, a roadmap was established for the drafting of law enforcement measures and a technical commission will be set up to ensure their execution.
Adapted legislation for efficient Universal Health Coverage:
The modification of the Public Health Law in the DRC demonstrates the government’s commitment to establishing sustainable Universal Health Coverage accessible to all. This reform aims to establish a solid and efficient health system, capable of meeting the needs of the Congolese population. By integrating the fundamental principles of UHC into law, the DRC is laying the foundations for a more modern and better organized health system.
The objectives of the operationalization workshop:
The workshop organized by the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention had several key objectives. First of all, it was a question of identifying the legal needs for the implementation of the amended Public Health law. Then, it aimed to raise participants’ awareness of the inseparable link between Universal Health Coverage and health security. Finally, this workshop aimed to identify the services involved in the implementation of law enforcement measures.
The roadmap: a guide for developing enforcement measures:
At the end of these meetings, experts from the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention established a roadmap in order to accelerate the development and adoption of the necessary implementation measures. This roadmap will serve as a guide for the drafting of these measures, taking into account the specificities of the Congolese health system and the objectives of Universal Health Coverage. The establishment of a technical commission responsible for supervising the execution of this roadmap is planned in order to guarantee its successful completion.
Conclusion :
The operationalization of the Public Health Law in the DRC is a key step in achieving Universal Health Coverage. Thanks to the involvement of the government and stakeholders in the health sector, the process of implementing this reform is now irreversible. The roadmap established during this workshop will help guide the development of implementation measures, with a view to a more robust health system and strengthened Universal Health Coverage in the DRC.