Advocacy for Reproductive Health in the East African Community (EAC): A Call to Action in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

In recent years, the East African Community (EAC) has been engaged in crucial dialogue and consultations regarding the Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill, underscoring member states' commitment to efforts collaborative in health. Anchored in Article 118 of the EAC Treaty, this initiative reflects the regional dedication to health development. The bill, in alignment with international, continental and community frameworks, envisages universal access to sexual and reproductive health services by 2030. Despite collaborative efforts, member states and civil society organizations (CSOs) faced challenges in reaching consensus on the adoption and implementation of the bill within the EAC. This highlights the impact of social norms and religious beliefs on decision-making, even at the regional level where progressive legislation is anticipated. On July 11, 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officially joined the EAC as its seventh member. The ratification ceremony, held at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, marked the integration of the DRC into the regional bloc alongside Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda. However, as a new member, the DRC missed out on previous dialogues and consultations related to the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health bill. In response, on November 11, 2022, Repro Justice Congo, with the support of Urgent Action Fund Africa, organized a Stakeholder Dialogue on the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill at the Goma Serena Hotel . The objective was to update CSOs on previous processes and explore opportunities for engagement by Congolese CSOs. The Honorable Guy Kibira, head of the province's Youth Division, officially opened the dialogue, emphasizing the significant importance of the bill, particularly for young people, adolescents and Congolese women. He stressed that the adoption of the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health bill would also bind EAC member states, including the DRC. Ms Dorcas Kitonga from KELIN Kenya, participating virtually, gave a comprehensive overview of the bill, emphasizing its key provisions relating to information for young people, comprehensive sexuality education, voluntary testing for sexually transmitted infections communicable diseases, cancer screening, availability of contraceptives, authorized abortion services, and access to reproductive health services for people with disabilities and the elderly. Mr. Irwin Iradukunda from MOLI Burundi also shared his organization’s experience. He highlighted the importance of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Law within the EAC as an advocacy tool to positively influence changes in internal laws and policies. Participants welcomed the bill and congratulated Repro Justice Congo for translating it into French, thereby facilitating engagement with French-speaking stakeholders. Consensus was reached to create a CSO Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SSRDR) in the DRC for collaborative action on the EAC bill. Dr Amos of the Youth Alliance for Reproductive Health highlighted the urgency of the DRC's active participation in the conversation on the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill, urging participants to read and prepare for upcoming commitments. He stressed the need to involve young people in the process to ensure their needs are taken into account. The event concluded with a call for sustained discussions and mutual learning. Ms. Huguette Karitanyi, Executive Director of Repro Justice Congo, proposed the creation of a WhatsApp group for ongoing communication, regular meetings and possible learning visits to Arusha, thereby strengthening understanding and engagement with the EAC. The event marks a mobilizing call for reproductive health advocacy in the DRC, emphasizing collaboration, information dissemination and proactive engagement as key pillars for success.