Advancing IHR capacities in the DRC: findings from the 2022 e-SPAR and NAPHS evaluation

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) conducted a national self-assessment of the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities using the revised 2021 electronic State Party Self-Assessment Annual Reporting tool. Held in March 2022, the hybrid workshop involved multisectoral stakeholders and evaluated 15 core capacities. The average national score was 36%, indicating limited capacity to implement IHR and the 2019 National Action Plan for Health Security. Four capacities, including points of entry and radiation emergencies, showed no capacity, while 10 were classified as limited. Only the IHR coordination reached the developed capacity level. Key weaknesses were identified in emergency operations, laboratory systems and legal preparedness. Strengths included One Health integration and risk communication efforts. These findings underscore the urgent need to improve multisectoral coordination, operational readiness and infrastructure investment to meet IHR requirements and better respond to public health threats. Strategic recommendations were proposed to guide national and international support.