DRC: Mid-Term evaluation of the free childbirth and newborn care program
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s free childbirth and newborn care program is a government initiative aimed at improving maternal and infant health in a country with some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. This initiative is part of the broader efforts of the Congolese government, in collaboration with international partners, to strengthen the healthcare system and provide quality care to all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
Last week, the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare, Roger Kamba, conducted an evaluation of this childbirth and newborn care program, the first component of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program. This second evaluation meeting, following the one in November 2023, also included the participation of officials from public services involved in the program, such as the General Health Inspectorate (IGS), the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), and the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), which is responsible for ensuring the transparency of the funds allocated to the program.
“The universal health coverage program, which currently covers 13 provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is progressing well nine months after its launch. It appears that the initial dysfunction has given way to smooth execution following suggested corrections. The concerned parties are being given the opportunity to invest further so that this program can meet the aspirations of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo,” reported the communication unit of the General Inspectorate of Finance.
It is worth noting that the free childbirth program was officially launched in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), during a ceremony presided over by President Félix Tshisekedi on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the Colonel Tshatshi Military Hospital. This represents the first package of care under the implementation of the universal health coverage initiative that began during Félix Tshisekedi’s first term.
The current government aims to extend this free maternity and newborn care program to all 26 provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the vision of the Head of State.
