Presicodesa’s Opinions on the Legal Recognition of the Community Health Worker Profession within the Healthcare System of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Case Study of the Muanda Health Zone

Abstract

The lack of legal recognition of the community health worker profession hampers the proper functioning of the healthcare system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the Muanda Health Zone. Accordingly, this study aims to explore the opinions of Presicodesa regarding the legal recognition of the community health worker profession within the healthcare system in this health zone.

This is a qualitative study employing a phenomenological approach. Data were collected between 3 and 30 July 2026 from 12 Presicodesa, selected according to the study's requirements using purposive non-probability sampling.

The findings reveal that the lack of legal recognition leads to professional abandonment, demotivation, poor performance, inadequate referral of patients to hospitals, limited participation in community activities and inefficiency. To achieve legal recognition, it is necessary to establish a ministerial order, ministerial decree or other official legal instrument defining and regulating the profession, its responsibilities, roles, tasks and duties. Further measures include establishing an official legal framework, providing formal academic training, creating a national identification and registration system, adopting a professional charter, officially appointing community health workers (RECOs), granting authorization to practise as RECOs and restructuring the community health worker profession.