Keywords
health promotion
conflict and fragility
Logo health zone
Democratic Republic of Congo
How to Cite
Abstract
For the past five years, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been implementing a new community-based approach to health promotion through the National Strategic Plan for Community Health. However, its local structures Health Development Committees, Community Coordination Units, and Community Health Workers face significant operational limitations, particularly in conflict and fragile contexts such as the Logo Health Zone. This study assessed community participation in health promotion in this area by analyzing organ coverage, member selection methods, female participation, the representation of specific groups, and their activities. An empirical survey was conducted with 395 participants using a questionnaire, structured interviews, and document reviews. The findings reveal a structural organization that is relatively consistent with national requirements, characterized by strong CHW coverage (87.4%), democratic selection of members (44.4%), and female representation exceeding national thresholds (41.3%). However, this structural strength contrasts with limited operationalization: coverage by Community Animation Cells remains low (29.9%), and the existing ones function irregularly (27.3%). In parallel, Health Development Committees focus mainly on the management of health centers (41.7%), while community health workers remain largely oriented toward preventive activities targeting priority diseases such as malaria (84.3%), leaving little room for interventions addressing the social determinants of health. The study identified several functional shortcomings that compromise the achievement of national community health objectives. Innovative and targeted strategies aimed at strengthening capacities, supervision, and repositioning of stakeholders are therefore essential to sustainably enhance health promotion at the local level.
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