The effect of mentorship as a means of strengthening leadership in the health system at the operational level: a case study of the Walungu rural health zone in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Context In the rural Health Zone (HZ) of Walungu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, major constraints impede health outcomes. From 2015 to 2019, the “RIPSEC” program transformed Walungu into a Learning and Research Zone (LRZ) under the mentorship of a local university to enhance the leadership capabilities of HZ managers, focusing on managing challenges including the proliferation of Informal Healthcare Facilities (IHFs).