In an effort to improve health services, the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted a cartography of the systems of supply and distribution of medicines and other health products in 2010. This initiative aimed to evaluate the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services across the vast country.
The cartography project, which mapped out health facilities and partners, highlighted the presence of various non — state armed groups, including the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 mars (AFC/M23), which took control of Goma, the capital of Nord-Kivu province, in January 2025.
The group’s advance towards Bukavu, the capital of Sud-Kivu, in February 2025, underscores the complexities in providing healthcare in conflict-affected areas.
The DRC, covering an area of 2,345,410 square kilometers, ranks 11th in the world in terms of land area. This vast territory, combined with the country’s complex history of conflicts, has made it difficult to establish a robust healthcare infrastructure.
The government has called for the integration of non — state armed groups, known as Wazalendo, into its forces to combat the rebellion led by the M23, which could potentially impact the stability of health services in the region.
The President of the DRC has emphasized the importance of integrating more female talents into decision — making positions in the country, a move that could have significant implications for health policy and service delivery.
The inclusion of diverse perspectives in governance is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by the DRC’s healthcare system.
According to the cartography report, the presence of various partners across the country’s health zones is crucial for the effective distribution of medical supplies.
However, the report also highlighted the need for improved coordination and collaboration among these partners to ensure equitable access to healthcare services.
The cartography project identified several key challenges in the health infrastructure, including the lack of adequate health facilities in rural areas, limited access to essential medicines, and the shortage of skilled healthcare workers.
These challenges are further compounded by the country’s ongoing conflicts and economic difficulties.
The African Union and the United Nations have been actively involved in supporting the DRC’s efforts to improve its healthcare system.
The African Union has called for increased regional cooperation to address the root causes of conflicts and promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, which includes the DRC.
The WHO has been instrumental in providing technical and financial support to the DRC’s Ministry of Health.
The organization has also been involved in training healthcare workers and improving the quality of healthcare services across the country.
As the DRC continues to grapple with the challenges of its healthcare system, the cartography project serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas in need of improvement.
The mapping of health facilities and partners is a critical step towards ensuring that all Congolese have access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their location.
The cartography project also underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing the complex challenges faced by the DRC’s healthcare system. With continued support from regional and international organizations, the DRC can work towards building a more resilient and effective healthcare infrastructure that serves its diverse population.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Health Cluster
