ArticleTropical medicine and health2025
An equity-lens analysis of policies on child health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Article in Tropical medicine and health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundDespite policy commitments to equitable healthcare, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to experience significant disparities in child health outcomes. While national health policies formally express support for equity in access to health services, there is limited evidence on the extent to which they incorporate the core concepts (CCs) of equity. This study assessed the extent to which equity is embedded in child health policies.
methodsThe EquiFrame framework was used to analyse five child health policy documents selected based on their recency, public availability, and strategic relevance. In this study, 16 equity-related CCs were employed to evaluate both the extent of their coverage and the quality of the commitment demonstrated across the selected policy documents. Each document was analysed and ranked as low, moderate, or high in addressing equity-related CCs.
resultsThe National Strategic Plan to Combat Malaria is the only policy document that achieved a high equity rating. The remaining documents were ranked as moderate. Overall, 44% of equity concepts were consistently included across all reviewed documents. While Access, Prevention, Quality, Capacity Building, Integration, and Participation were the most frequently addressed equity-related CCs, critical concepts such as Non-discrimination, Cultural Responsiveness, and Individualized Services were completely omitted. In most cases, the policy frameworks lacked the operational detail, clearly defined measurable actions and robust monitoring mechanisms required to achieve a meaningful impact.
conclusionThis study revealed significant gaps in addressing equity in child health policies in the DRC. Future policies should systematically incorporate all equity-related CCs, accompanied by clear, measurable actions and robust monitoring frameworks. Strengthening these components is essential to advance equitable access to child health services and ensure that all children, regardless of background or circumstance, can achieve their full health potential.
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