Fatshimetrie, October 26, 2024 – Excellent news has recently come from the Democratic Republic of Congo: a significant decrease in cases of monkeypox (Mpox) and cholera has been noted, which denotes a positive step forward in the fight against these epidemics. At the last Council of Ministers, the Minister of Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare shared this encouraging information with the government, highlighting the decrease in reported cases.
This favorable development is the result of the efforts made as part of the monkeypox vaccination campaign. To date, nearly 30,000 people have been vaccinated in 11 health zones across the country, according to the latest figures communicated by Dr. Roger Kamba. This mass vaccination demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to protecting the population against infectious diseases.
In addition, the Minister of Public Health also informed the government of the resolutions taken during a recent residential workshop. Among the commitments made are the alignment of the risk premium for the fourth quarter of the current budget year, the salary readjustment of nearly 5,157 agents promoted in grade, the payment of the second level of transport and accommodation allowances to doctors by the end of October 2024, as well as the creation of an interministerial subcommittee dedicated to cleaning up the payroll and the activation of the bush bonus to facilitate the deployment of health workers in the provinces.
The suspension of a strike movement in public hospitals, which began the previous week, reflects a major breakthrough in negotiations between health professionals and the government. This truce made it possible to guarantee patients access to quality care, in compliance with the operating standards of health establishments.
At the same time, the free care program for pregnant women, mothers and newborns was extended to five provinces, including the province of Tshopo. This initiative aims to improve access to maternal and child health services, thereby helping to reduce maternal and child mortality in the country.
Finally, a strong decision was taken concerning the termination of the contract between the Congolese State and Indian service providers for the management of the Cinquantenaire hospital. This termination follows irregularities noted during an audit carried out in January 2023 by the General Inspectorate of Finance. The non-payment of nearly 40 million dollars to the Public Treasury, the failure to retrocede 5% of the revenue generated by the hospital and the non-compliance with investment commitments are all reasons that led to this radical decision..
In conclusion, these recent advances in health in the Democratic Republic of Congo demonstrate the government’s desire to guarantee its population quality and accessible health services. The fight against epidemics, the promotion of maternal and child health, as well as transparency in the management of health facilities are all priorities that will improve the well-being of the Congolese and strengthen the country’s health system.