Domestication of the Maputo Protocol in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Lessons to Advance Access to Safe Abortion on the African Continent

Abstract

Since 2018, the SAFE ENGAGE project has worked to build capacity for policy dialogue to advance access to safe abortion in Africa. The project is based on Three strong principles: - Make the data talk: have a database that is digestible and easy to understand and use, and deal with abortion myths and stigma with evidence - Strengthen strategic communication to have effective advocacy at the right time and to the right target audience people - Targeted support by responding to immediate needs with the rapid response mechanism SAFE ENGAGE is a coalition working with a multisectoral task force. The SAFE ENGAGE presentations use the tools and approaches to be able to describe the consequences of the numbers and data observed in the country and expand recommendations to position advocates for positive change. Mrs. Fall explained that to offer innovative actions to policy makers, SAFE ENGAGE has produced modules, guides, and information sheets. These specific communication support is adapted to the strategy or to the needs of the moment. The SAFE ENGAGE Communication Strategy is made up of seven sections with specific information on abortion, the method of communication and practical exercises. Mrs. Fall briefly explained the case study on the domestication of the Maputo Protocol in the DRC. She pointed out out that the DRC is the first country in French-speaking Africa to have extended access to abortion on a large scale to its population. It can serve as a guide (replication) for other Francophone African countries that have similar contexts because it is a very recent policy change, a model to illustrate good practices, and particularly in view of the limited documentation available in the field of abortion, sexual and reproductive health in the French language.