Congo Creates National Health Council to Modernise Healthcare Governance

In a move to overhaul the country’s healthcare administration, the Congolese government has approved a decree establishing the National Health Council. The decision was taken during a Council of Ministers meeting, where Health Minister Jean Rosaire Ibara presented the proposal.

The new advisory body is set to replace the National Health and Social Development Council, which has been in place since 1984. Officials say the old structure no longer meets the demands of modern health governance.

The National Health Council will serve as a permanent forum for dialogue, bringing together state representatives, public and private health professionals, technical and financial partners, and civil society organisations. The aim is to foster a more participatory approach in shaping health policies.

Its responsibilities include issuing recommendations on major health policy directions, ensuring coherence across decision-making levels, promoting transparency and accountability, and evaluating implemented programmes. The government hopes this will lead to more effective, inclusive, and population-responsive health policies.

Article and image source: journaldebrazza.com