The Pathway to Achieving Universal Health Coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Obstacles and Prospects

Abstract

This paper explores the complexities surrounding achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and proposes viable strategies to overcome the obstacles. The study's findings contribute to the global discourse on UHC in resource-limited settings and hold significant implications for policy formulation and implementation in both DRC and similar contexts. The introduction emphasises the importance of UHC in promoting equitable access to quality healthcare services for all individuals. Nevertheless, the DRC faces numerous challenges on its path to UHC. This paper identifies four key challenges: Firstly, the fragile healthcare infrastructure in the DRC necessitates the establishment of better-equipped facilities, an adequate healthcare workforce, and improved access to essential medical supplies. These factors hinder the provision of comprehensive health services and impede progress towards UHC. Secondly, socio-economic barriers such as persistent poverty, income disparities, and regional variations pose significant obstacles to achieving UHC in the DRC. Limited financial resources and widespread poverty prevent individuals from accessing healthcare services, exacerbating health inequities. Thirdly, weak health governance, inadequate policy implementation, and limited coordination among stakeholders impede the effective delivery of healthcare services in the DRC. Thus, strengthening governance structures and enhancing policy implementation are essential for UHC. Lastly, the absence of comprehensive health information systems and poor data management hinder evidence-based decision-making and resource allocation. Addressing these deficiencies is vital for monitoring progress and guiding policy formulation towards UHC. Given these challenges, this paper proposes potential solutions and future perspectives for achieving UHC in the DRC. These include strengthening health systems, implementing social protection mechanisms, enacting policy reforms, enhancing governance structures, and strengthening health information systems. Investments in robust health information systems, data collection and management improvements and the enhancement of capacity for health research and surveillance facilitate evidence-based decision-making and progress towards UHC. In conclusion, the DRC faces obstacles related to healthcare infrastructure, socio-economic factors, governance issues, and deficiencies in health information systems in its pursuit of UHC. However, by addressing these challenges through targeted interventions, policy reforms, and improved governance, the DRC can make strides towards ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all its citizens. Collaboration between national and international stakeholders is crucial for sustaining progress towards UHC and promoting health equity within the country.

The effectiveness of public health spending in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“…Poor governance is considered one of the most significant obstacles to delivering public health services in SSA and requires special attention (Hillermann, 2022;Issa, 2023;National Academies of Sciences & Medicine, 2018). The adverse effects of poor governance on the health sectors can be explained from two perspectives.…”