Title: Operationalization of the public health law in the DRC: a major step forward for 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 of capital importance. The objective was to operationalize Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018, which sets the fundamental principles relating to the organization of Public Health, and which has since been modified and supplemented by Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of March 3, 2023. This approach is part of the establishment of the Universal Health Coverage system and compliance with the standards of the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR).
A step towards Universal Health Coverage:
The modification of Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018 and the integration of the principles of Universal Health Coverage demonstrate the commitment of the Congolese government to offering all citizens equitable access to health services. This is indeed one of the key promises of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. The implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system in the DRC is now irreversible.
Identification of enforcement measures:
The workshop brought together around thirty experts, including directors and heads of departments from the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention. They worked together to identify the legal needs necessary to operationalize the law and defined a roadmap for drafting implementing measures. The Technical Commission which will be set up soon will be responsible for implementing this roadmap and accelerating the development and adoption of the necessary measures.
A major step forward towards improving the health system:
This major advance in the operationalization of the public health law in the DRC opens the way to numerous improvements in the field of health. Universal Health Coverage will ensure that all Congolese citizens have the financial protection necessary to access health care, without jeopardizing their economic situation. In addition, compliance with the International Health Regulations strengthens the country’s health security and facilitates collaboration with other countries in the event of emergencies or pandemics.
Conclusion :
The workshop to operationalize the public health law in the DRC marked a major step forward in the establishment of the Universal Health Coverage system and in compliance with international standards in public health. The implementation of this law will allow all Congolese citizens to access health care equitably and without financial prejudice, while strengthening the country’s health security.. This initiative illustrates the Congolese government’s commitment to improving the health system and guaranteeing the well-being of its population.