** The delivery of medical equipment to the armed forces and to the national DRC police: a step towards universal health coverage? **
In a context where public health issues mix with national security concerns, the recent initiative of the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Provident, Roger Kamba, deserves special attention. The delivery of medical equipment and drugs to care providers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Congolese National Police (PNC) could be part of a wider effort towards improving health care for members of these bodies, often exposed to the dangers of war and conflict.
### A necessary support for soldiers and police
The Minister’s statement underlines a worrying reality: Congolese soldiers and police are facing living and care conditions marked by the seriousness of injuries and diseases related to conflicts, especially in areas as is the east of the country, where violence continues. By providing the military and police health centers with suitable surgical equipment and pharmacology, the government testifies to a desire to meet not only urgent needs, but also to respect the daily sacrifice of those who ensure the security of the country.
The choice of equipment delivered, including boxes of orthopedic surgery, pain relievers and antibiotics, indicates a desire to provide concrete responses to the specific medical challenges encountered by the military. This support becomes all the more relevant at a time when the country faces geopolitical tensions, especially with Rwanda, which exacerbate injuries from Congolese troops.
### The dimension of the Universal Health Coverage Program
This delivery of equipment is part of a larger framework: the universal health coverage program. By affirming that this program is intended to allow each Congolese citizen to access health care without financial constraints, Minister Kamba underlines a commitment that goes beyond simple punctual aid. However, one can wonder if the actions implemented are sufficient and well coordinated.
### persistent challenges
Despite this positive momentum, several challenges remain. In addition to the issue of equipment, the Minister stressed the need to improve human resources in the health and police health services. This raises the question of training and recruitment: does the DRC have sufficient means to provide adequate training for its military medical staff? Regional disparities in access to care also remain a major concern, especially in remote areas where access to medical infrastructure is limited.
In addition, the promise of a national health insurance card for the military and their families by June seems ambitious. The implementation of such a system could constitute a significant turning point in access to medical care, if however the terms of its deployment are developed in a thoughtful and concerted manner. This requires a systemic approach that takes into account the economic realities of the country.
### A call for reflection
In short, if the delivery of medical equipment to FARDC and PNC is a positive step towards better health for these forces, it is essential to approach this initiative with a critical look. Health issues in conflict areas, as well as the need for universal health coverage, are subjects that require continuous commitment and open dialogue between political actors, health professionals and civil society.
It is imperative to wonder how to make these efforts lasting and how to involve all the actors concerned to truly transform health reality into the DRC. Promises and commitments must be supported by concrete actions, accompanied by rigorous follow -up, so that each voice, particularly those of those who sacrifice themselves for the nation, is constantly heard and respected. The future of public health in the DRC will depend on the ability of its leaders to combine their efforts with tangible realities, while preserving the dignity of its citizens.