Étude exploratoire de la pratique évaluative dans le secteur de la santé en république démocratique du Congo

Objectives: This study aims to describe the characteristics of evaluation practice in the health sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and to provide a critical analysis of this practice.

Methodology: A qualitative approach was adopted, combining ten semi-directed interviews with national public health consultant and health system actors, and two focus group discussions with eleven Congolese public health professionals enrolled in a specialized master's program in evaluation in Belgium. These primary data were complemented by a documentary analysis of twelve evaluation reports of health policies and interventions conducted between 2011 and 2022, based on a predefined analytical framework.

Results: This study reveals an evaluation practice marked by heterogeneous quality and strong dependence over donors. Most reports reviewed do not meet international evaluation standards. National evaluation capacities remain limited, resulting in weak process ownership and limited use of results.

Conclusion: Institutionalizing evaluation practice is essential to strengthen the evaluation culture and evidence-based decision-making. Continued investment in training and capacity building is crucial to sustain and improve evaluation practice in the DRC.