Impact of Partner Financing on Community Access to Healthcare in the Bili Health Zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Introduction: Partner financing plays a crucial role in improving community access to healthcare in the Bili Health Zone, in the Bas-Uélé Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study focused on the impact of partner financing on community access to healthcare from 2021 to 2024, with the objectives of identifying sources of financing for health services; assessing the impact of partner financing on community access to healthcare; and determining the evolution of partner financing on community access to health services. Methods: We used an inductive method based on documentary analysis concerning the overall financing of health services, sources of financing for health services, and the general trend of partner financing from 2021 to 2024. Results: External financing, that is to say the partners in the Bili Health Zone, represents 87.6%; the share of internal financing, that is to say the communities, is 12.4%. The partners have funded accessibility to care at 54.22% of the total financing. This produces a positive impact of partner financing on community access to healthcare. The general trend of partner financing for community access to healthcare is on the rise. Conclusion: Partner financing in the Bili Health Zone in the Bas-Uélé Province improves community access to healthcare through the construction and rehabilitation of health infrastructure, support for services, capacity building, and ensuring continuity and quality of care, particularly for vulnerable populations in complex contexts.