The operationalization of the law on Public Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a step towards improving the health system
From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene Prevention organized a large-scale workshop to discuss the operationalization of Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018 establishing the fundamental principles relating to the organization of Public Health in DR Congo. This law, modified and supplemented by Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of March 3, 2023, establishes the bases of the Universal Health Coverage system and aims to implement the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005 in the country.
The objective of this meeting was to identify the legal needs to guarantee the effective application of these texts, raise participants’ awareness of the importance of taking concrete measures, and determine the services involved in implementing these measures. More than thirty experts, including directors and heads of departments from the Ministry of Health, as well as representatives of public institutes and establishments, participated in this workshop.
In his speech, the Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention underlined the importance of the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system in DR Congo, declaring that this was a flagship promise of President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. He also affirmed that the modification of the existing law was a decisive step in the process of implementing this system, and that it was now irreversible.
During these meetings, a road map was developed for the drafting and adoption of the necessary implementing measures. The experts agreed on the next steps to follow, and agreed to set up a technical commission responsible for implementing this roadmap, in order to accelerate the process of developing and adopting the enforcement measures.
This initiative marks a major turning point in the field of health in DR Congo. By operationalizing the Public Health Law, the country hopes to strengthen its health system, guarantee access to care for all citizens and improve health security. The establishment of the Universal Health Coverage system will contribute to reducing health inequalities, by allowing everyone to benefit from essential services.
The next step will therefore consist of drafting and adopting the implementation measures identified during this workshop. Thanks to these measures, DR Congo will be able to realize its vision of a solid, efficient and equitable health system, serving all its citizens.
This process represents a significant step forward for DR Congo and demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving public health in the country.. It remains to closely monitor the progress of this implementation and support the actions undertaken to ensure that the Congolese population can fully benefit from the advantages of a universal health system. A real step forward towards a better future for health in DR Congo.