Kinshasa Research Articles

Evaluation of Storage and Disposal of Household Waste in the City of Kinshasa (Communes of Lemba, Mont-Ngafula, and Kisenso) and Awareness of Eco-Citizenship

This study aims to analyze and describe the characteristics of household waste in the communes of Lemba, Mont-Ngafula and Kisenso in Kinshasa, while raising awareness of ecological citizenship. The study was conducted from April 17 to May 3, 2023, with a sample of 690 households, 138 randomly selected from each community. The main methods used are survey, interview and observation in the field.
 The results show that household waste management in the cities studied does not contribute to sustainable development. Most households use garbage cans, mainly buckets and bags, but waste sorting is rare, except in the Kindele area. The most common waste disposal methods are inappropriate local disposal and incineration. The most common methods of waste disposal are disposal in inappropriate locations and incineration. Average waste weights vary by neighbourhood, with values ranging from 8.67 kg to 13.99 kg per household. It has a significant correlation between the total weight of waste generated per household and household size.
 The findings of the study indicate that the state of household waste management in these cities is worrying, with adverse consequences for the environment and public health. Proposals include new laws to regulate waste management, integration of waste management into urban development plans, establishment of landfills and public awareness of sanitation rules and the principles of waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Developing effective and sustainable strategies to address household waste management in these communities in Kinshasa is crucial. The involvement of local authorities, stakeholders and citizens is essential to protect the environment.

Grow-out of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) fish (Perciformes, Cichlidae) on Local Feed in an Above-ground Tank Culture System in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Acquiring land that meets the required standards for lowland ponds is becoming an increasing problem in the city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and fish farming in above-ground concrete tanks is emerging as an alternative. The objective of this study was to follow the evolution of pre-growth of Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758 in an above-ground concrete tank culture system using feed based on local agricultural by-products available in Kinshasa. A total of 198 fries were distributed in 3 tanks and fed three times a day. The experiments were conducted for 60 days between August and November 2021. The results obtained indicate a better survival rate (T1 = 75.75±4.32%; T2 = 60.6±9.76% and T3 = 83.33±4.96%). Feed T1 (mean weight = 33.15±2.78 g) and T2 (28.44±3.76 g) had a positive impact on fish weight growth. The cost of producing one kilogram of a feed ration varied depending on the ingredients used. It cost 2,843 FC to develop the T1 feed, 951 FC to produce the T2 feed and 5.000 FC to afford the T3 commercial feed sold in Kinshasa. Ration T2 is the one that gave a better compromise of price and quality by promoting good fish growth at a lower cost (1,692 Congolese Francs) than the other two feeds. These observations sufficiently show that during the experiment, the experimental structure (concrete tank) did not have negative effects on the zootechnical performance of the fry of the fish species studied. The economic aspect of the use of feed rations by fry showed the merits of rearing fish using local agricultural by-products rather than commercial feed. This study showed the merits of setting up an above-ground concrete tank fish farm to overcome the difficulty of acquiring land to meet fish farming requirements.

Plasmodium falciparum with pfhrp2/3 Deletion Not Detected in a 2018-2021 Malaria Longitudinal Cohort Study in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Histidine-rich protein 2- (HRP2-) based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used to detect Plasmodium falciparum in sub-Saharan Africa. Reports of parasites with pfhrp2 and/or pfhrp3 (pfhrp2/3) gene deletions in Africa raise concerns about the long-term viability of HRP2-based RDTs. We evaluated changes in pfhrp2/3 deletion prevalence over time using a 2018-2021 longitudinal study of 1,635 enrolled individuals in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Samples collected during biannual household visits with ≥ 100 parasites/µL by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were genotyped using a multiplex real-time PCR assay. Among 2,726 P. falciparum PCR-positive samples collected from 993 participants during the study period, 1,267 (46.5%) were genotyped. No pfhrp2/3 deletions or mixed pfhrp2/3-intact and -deleted infections were identified in our study. Pfhrp2/3-deleted parasites were not detected in Kinshasa Province; ongoing use of HRP2-based RDTs is appropriate.

Kinshasa Province (Democratic Republic of Congo): Typology of Peri-Urban Ecosystems Providing Edible Insects

Tropical peri-urban ecosystems are essential for the urban population’s well-being through the goods and services they provide. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are subjected to anthropogenic pressures for various reasons. This study aims to assess the diversity and structure of the peri-urban ecosystems that provide the most edible insects in Kinshasa. A total of 360 people were interviewed to identify the two insect species most frequently consumed. The tree inventory was carried out in 50 plots (2500 m2 each), of which 25 were in Acacia plantations, 10 were planted Milletia forests, and 15 were natural Millettia forests. The diameters of each tree, dbh ≥ 10 cm, were measured. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to distinguish the forest communities. Diversity indices were used to assess floristic variability and structural parameters were used to characterize forest stands. Two insects were identified as being the most commonly consumed in Kinshasa: Gonimbrasia jamesoni (28%) and Cirina forda (27%), found the in Acacia plantation, and in the planted Milletia forests and natural Milletti forest, respectively. The results indicate floristic (higher in the Acacia plantation) and structural variability between stands. The structure of the stands indicates good news for all forests, except the planted forest. The high frequency/dominance of A. auriculiformis and M. laurentii in the peri-urban ecosystems of Kinshasa would therefore be optimal conditions (under natural conditions) for good production of these two caterpillar species.

Impact of malaria diagnostic choice on monitoring of Plasmodium falciparum prevalence estimates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and relevance to control programs in high-burden countries.

Malaria programs rely upon a variety of diagnostic assays, including rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), microscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and bead-based immunoassays (BBA), to monitor malaria prevalence and support control and elimination efforts. Data comparing these assays are limited, especially from high-burden countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Using cross-sectional and routine data, we compared diagnostic performance and Plasmodium falciparum prevalence estimates across health areas of varying transmission intensity to illustrate the relevance of assay performance to malaria control programs. Data and samples were collected between March-June 2018 during a cross-sectional household survey across three health areas with low, moderate, and high transmission intensities within Kinshasa Province, DRC. Samples from 1,431 participants were evaluated using RDT, microscopy, PCR, and BBA. P. falciparum parasite prevalence varied between diagnostic methods across all health areas, with the highest prevalence estimates observed in Bu (57.4-72.4% across assays), followed by Kimpoko (32.6-53.2%), and Voix du Peuple (3.1-8.4%). Using latent class analysis to compare these diagnostic methods against an "alloyed gold standard," the most sensitive diagnostic method was BBA in Bu (high prevalence) and Voix du Peuple (low prevalence), while PCR diagnosis was most sensitive in Kimpoko (moderate prevalence). RDTs were consistently the most specific diagnostic method in all health areas. Among 9.0 million people residing in Kinshasa Province in 2018, the estimated P. falciparum prevalence by microscopy, PCR, and BBA were nearly double that of RDT. Comparison of malaria RDT, microscopy, PCR, and BBA results confirmed differences in sensitivity and specificity that varied by endemicity, with PCR and BBA performing best for detecting any P. falciparum infection. Prevalence estimates varied widely depending on assay type for parasite detection. Inherent differences in assay performance should be carefully considered when using community survey and surveillance data to guide policy decisions.

Family Support and Social Reintegration of Adolescent Offenders in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo

Purpose: Having a strong family support is one of the most important factors contributing to successful rehabilitation and especially among adolescent ex-offenders and thereafter gain a sustainable livelihood. This study sought to examine the role of family support in the social re-integration of adolescent offenders in Kinshasa city. The study was grounded on strain theory as proposed by Merton (1957) as well as pm system theory.
 Methodology: Mixed methods research approach focusing on explanatory sequential design was adopted. Data was collected from a sample of 345 individuals including 330 adolescents and 15 key informants using questionnaires, FGDs, and key informant interviews. The study participants were selected from three localities, Kisenso, Limete, and Matete and Kisenso, using stratified sampling technique and purposive sampling.
 Findings: Findings on adolescent offenders’ perception on family support indicates that, 10% (n=33) of adolescent offenders expressed low perceptions of family support; 82.7% (n=273) had moderate perception of family support while 7.3% (n=24) have high perceptions of the support received from family members. The study also found a positive albeit rather weak correlation between family support and social reintegration of adolescent offenders, with a Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) 0.377. From the findings, the ANOVA tests revealed that, family support (F=1.962, p=0.018) has statistically significant influence on social reintegration of adolescent offenders. The study concludes that, family support was found to be a predictor of social reintegration as family financial, material, and emotional support is needed to influence readjustment and social functioning of affected individuals.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: From the study, it was recommended that, different stakeholders including the government, NGOs, the religious organizations and individual philanthropists should support the family in her role to provide material and non-material support towards their adolescent ex-offenders for effective social re-integration.

Enquête ethnobotanique sur les plantes médicinales utilises en Médecine Traditionnelle contre le diabète dans la partie Est de la ville de Kinshasa, République démocratique du Congo

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among traditional healers and herbalists in eastern Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) to identify medicinal plant species traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus. Fifty traditional healers and herbalists selected through the snowball sampling method were interviewed about plant species used in indigenous medicine to treat diabetes mellitus in Kinshasa city. Cited plant taxa were collected and identified at the Herbarium of the Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Kinshasa. Their ecological status was determined. Most respondents were male (58%), with a sex ratio 1.38. According to the marital status of respondents, single persons represent 42%, followed by married (32%), divorced (20%), and widowed (06%), respectively. Out of 50 persons interviewed, the most represented age group comprises individuals of ˃50 years. Most informants have a secondary school educational background (46%). In Kinshasa city, medicinal plants for treating diabetes mellitus are divided into 19 families, 25 genera, and 27 species. The culture/crop and forest plant species represent the most (37.04% each). The ecological and phytogeographical spectra revealed a predominance of trees (33.33%), microphanerophytes (48.15%), mesophytes (85.19%), sarcochores (66.67%), and pantropical species (40.74%). 68% of the population of Tshangu district in Kinshasa city uses Traditional Medicine, against 32% who are interested in modern medicine. 63% of them believe that medicinal plants can cure diabetes, 31.5% believe that plants improve their health, and 15% of the population surveyed believe that medicinal plants have side effects. The leaves are the most used part (40.74%), followed by the roots (25.93), fruits (18.52%), grains (7.41%), flowers, and stems (3.7% each). Promoting ex-situ conservation of some of these useful medicinal plants through in vitro cell culture will permit the preservation of these phyto-resources. Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, ex-situ conservation, metabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus.

Enquête ethnobotanique sur les plantes médicinales utilises en Médecine Traditionnelle contre le diabète dans la partie Est de la ville de Kinshasa, République démocratique du Congo

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among traditional healers and herbalists in eastern Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) to identify medicinal plant species traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus. Fifty traditional healers and herbalists selected through the snowball sampling method were interviewed about plant species used in indigenous medicine to treat diabetes mellitus in Kinshasa city. Cited plant taxa were collected and identified at the Herbarium of the Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Kinshasa. Their ecological status was determined. Most respondents were male (58%), with a sex ratio 1.38. According to the marital status of respondents, single persons represent 42%, followed by married (32%), divorced (20%), and widowed (06%), respectively. Out of 50 persons interviewed, the most represented age group comprises individuals of ˃50 years. Most informants have a secondary school educational background (46%). In Kinshasa city, medicinal plants for treating diabetes mellitus are divided into 19 families, 25 genera, and 27 species. The culture/crop and forest plant species represent the most (37.04% each). The ecological and phytogeographical spectra revealed a predominance of trees (33.33%), microphanerophytes (48.15%), mesophytes (85.19%), sarcochores (66.67%), and pantropical species (40.74%). 68% of the population of Tshangu district in Kinshasa city uses Traditional Medicine, against 32% who are interested in modern medicine. 63% of them believe that medicinal plants can cure diabetes, 31.5% believe that plants improve their health, and 15% of the population surveyed believe that medicinal plants have side effects. The leaves are the most used part (40.74%), followed by the roots (25.93), fruits (18.52%), grains (7.41%), flowers, and stems (3.7% each). Promoting ex-situ conservation of some of these useful medicinal plants through in vitro cell culture will permit the preservation of these phyto-resources. Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, ex-situ conservation, metabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus.

Individual and collective factors influencing consumer attitudes and behaviour towards edible insects in Kinshasa: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Background: More than 300 peoples in the world consume edible insects either as a component of the traditional diet, or in the event of famine. Despite the benefits of insects, their acceptance by some consumers as a source of human food remains the main obstacle to their consumption. The present study focuses on the consumption of edible insects in the Kinshasa city (DRCongo) in a context of food crisis and shortage. Methods: The study examined individual (attitudes, perceived control, intent); collective factors (subjective norms); context of consumption and emotional factors that influence insect consumption. A semi-directive interview study based on the theory of planned behaviour was conducted among 60 participants. Results: The results showed that the consumption is a common practice in the study area, but that its frequency is influenced by factors related to the individual, such as participants’ positive attitudes towards insect consumption and ease of obtaining edible insects. The consumption of insects is also influenced by collective factors, such as family, friends, etc. The taste of insects, contextual factors such as family consumption, nutritional intake, habit and belonging to some specific tribes were related to greater consumption. Negative emotions, such as fear, insect characteristics or lack of knowledge about edible species were related to reduced consumption. Conclusions: The results suggest that there is a need to implement interventions that focus specifically on changing certain attitudes.

Proportion of thyroid cancer and other cancers in the democratic republic of Congo.

Cancer diagnosis is increasing around the world and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The proportion of thyroid cancer has increased over the past three decades. There are very few studies on cancer epidemiology, and in particular on thyroid cancer in the DRC. To establish the most recent proportion of thyroid cancer in the DRC compared to other cancers. This is a retrospective and descriptive study of 6106 consecutive cancer cases listed in the pathological registers of 4 Laboratories in the city of Kinshasa. This study included all cancer cases recorded in the registers between 2005 and 2019. From a sample of 6106 patients, including all cancer types, 68.3% cases were female and 31.7% were male. Breast and cervical cancer were the most common types of cancer in women and, prostate and skin cancer were the most common types in men. Thyroid cancer was sixth in proportion in women and eleventh in men compared to all cancers. Papillary carcinoma was the most common of thyroid cancers. Rare cancers such as anaplastic and medullary thyroid carcinomas had a proportion of 7% and 2%, respectively. Newer diagnostic tools led to a surge in cancer diagnoses in the DRC. Thyroid cancer has more than doubled its proportion over the last several decades in the country.

A mixed methods study assessing the adoption potential of a saliva-based malaria rapid test in the Democratic Republic of Congo

BackgroundThe reliance on blood for thin and thick blood smear microscopy—using a relatively invasive procedure has presented challenges to the use of reliable diagnostic tests in non-clinical settings at the point-of-need (PON). To improve the capacity of non-blood-based rapid diagnostic tests to confirm subclinical infections, and thereby identify and quantify the human reservoir at the PON, a cross-sectoral collaboration between university researchers and commercial partners produced an innovative, non-invasive saliva-based RDT capable of identifying novel, non-hrp2/3 parasite biomarkers. While this new saliva-based malaria asymptomatic and asexual rapid test (SMAART-1) shows increased detection sensitivity and precision potential by identifying a new P. falciparum protein marker (PSSP17), appraising its utility in the field—particularly with respect to its adoption potential with children and adults in high risk, endemic regions—is necessary to warrant its continued development.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability and adoption potential of the SMAART-1 at select PON sites in the Kinshasa Province. Teachers, community health workers, nurses, and laboratory technicians participated in data collection at three distinct community sites in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Three data collection methods were utilized in this mixed methods study to provide an overarching acceptability evaluation of the SMAART-1 at PON field sites: observation checklists of SMAART-1 implementation, focus group discussions, and surveys with local health care practitioners—particularly teachers and community health workers.ResultsFindings indicate participants were interested in and supportive of the SMAART-1 protocol, with approximately 99% of the participants surveyed indicating that they either “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with the statement that they “would use the saliva-based malaria asymptomatic rapid test as part of a community malaria detection and treatment programme.” Data also suggest that the protocol was broadly appealing for its testing sensitivity and ease of use.ConclusionsThe SMAART-1 protocol’s clinically reliable results demonstrate a promising new level of sensitivity and precision for detecting parasite biomarkers. This study’s mixed-methods assessment of the protocol’s utility and adoption potential in the field, with a target user audience, advances its development and points to opportunities to formalize and expand evaluation efforts.

Area-specific covid-19 effects on health services utilization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo using routine health information system data

BackgroundSince March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has shocked health systems worldwide. This analysis investigated the effects of the pandemic on basic health services utilization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and examined the variability of COVID effects in the capital city Kinshasa, in other urban areas, and in rural areas.MethodsWe estimated time trends models using national health information system data to replicate pre-COVID-19 (i.e., January 2017–February 2020) trajectories of health service utilization, and then used those models to estimate what the levels would have been in the absence of COVID-19 during the pandemic period, starting in March 2020 through March 2021. We classified the difference between the observed and predicted levels as the effect of COVID-19 on health services. We estimated 95% confidence intervals and p-values to examine if the effect of the pandemic, nationally and within specific geographies, was statistically significant.ResultsOur results indicate that COVID-19 negatively impacted health services and subsequent recovery varied by service type and by geographical area. COVID-19 had a lasting impact on overall service utilization as well as on malaria and pneumonia-related visits among young children in the DRC. We also found that the effects of COVID-19 were even more immediate and stronger in the capital city of Kinshasa compared with the national effect. Both nationally and in Kinshasa, most affected services had slow and incomplete recovery to expected levels. Therefore, our analysis indicates that COVID-19 continued to affect health services in the DRC throughout the first year of the pandemic.ConclusionsThe methodology used in this article allows for examining the variability in magnitude, timing, and duration of the COVID effects within geographical areas of the DRC and nationally. This analytical procedure based on national health information system data could be applied to surveil health service disruptions and better inform rapid responses from health service managers and policymakers.

Association between hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer in the Congolese hospital setting.

e18092 Background: Thyroid cancer accounts for 1% of cancers worldwide. Hyperthyroidism was long considered a protective factor against thyroid cancer. This association was rare in the literature and raised a lot of controversy in the scientific world. There are currently no studies carried out in the Congolese hospital setting to establish the association between hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. We hypothesize that there is an association between thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism in the Congolese hospital setting. Methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study, which involved 106 cases of thyroid cancer who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy and pathological examination in four laboratories in the city of Kinshasa between 2005 and 2019. These laboratories receive samples from all the medical centers in Kinshasa. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using Statistical Package for the social sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 22 software. Data were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation for metric parameters, and as absolute or relative frequencies in percentages for categorical parameters. For all tests used the p-value < 0.05 was considered as the threshold of statistical significance. This research protocol was approved by the National Health Ethics Committee of the DRC No. 197/CNES/BN/PMMF/2020. Results: Out of 106 cases of thyroid cancer, the association of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer was found in 5 cases (4.7%) (3.6% for women vs. 9% for men). The mean age of patients with this association was 51 ± 11 years. Papillary carcinoma (two cases), follicular carcinoma (two cases) and lymphoma (one case) were the types of cancer encountered. Etiologically, toxic multinodular goiter (four cases; 80%) and toxic adenoma (one case; 2%) were found. Conclusions: There is an association between hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer in the Congolese hospital setting. There is a predominance of the female gender. There was an equal number of papillary and follicular carcinomas. With this study, we hope to encourage clinicians to thoroughly evaluate any suspicious nodule associated with hyperthyroidism. [Table: see text]

Perception of caesarean section among pregnant women treated in some hospitals in Kinshasa

Objective. The objective of this article is to evaluate the perception of caesarean section among pregnant women treated in some hospitals in the city of Kinshasa. Materials and Methods. A survey questionnaire (consisting of 11 questions) was administered to a non-probabilistic sample of 110 pregnant women undergoing antenatal consultations at the Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa and the Centre Hospitalier du Mont-Amba. Results. The results indicate that pregnant women in the study have a positive perception of caesarean section. This positive perception is reflected in their tolerance and acceptance of the planned procedure. The substudy women were, however, afraid of caesarean sections. Finally, they have more objective than subjective knowledge of Caesarean section. Conclusion. Our study subjects consider Caesarean section as a compulsory medical intervention in case of certain complications. Therefore, they do not find any disadvantage in giving birth by this way.

Early Hospital Mortality of Children Aged 1 to 59 Months in the Emergency Room in the City of Kinshasa

Early Hospital Mortality of Children Aged 1 to 59 Months in the Emergency Room in the City of Kinshasa

The diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from asymptomatic and symptomatic school-age children in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo

BackgroundUnderstanding Plasmodium falciparum population diversity and transmission dynamics provides information on the intensity of malaria transmission, which is needed for assessing malaria control interventions. This study aimed to determine P. falciparum allelic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) among asymptomatic and symptomatic school-age children in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).MethodsA total of 438 DNA samples (248 asymptomatic and 190 symptomatic) were characterized by nested PCR and genotyping the polymorphic regions of pfmsp1 block 2 and pfmsp2 block 3.ResultsNine allele types were observed in pfmsp1 block2. The K1-type allele was predominant with 78% (229/293) prevalence, followed by the MAD20-type allele (52%, 152/293) and RO33-type allele (44%, 129/293). Twelve alleles were detected in pfmsp2, and the 3D7-type allele was the most frequent with 84% (256/304) prevalence, followed by the FC27-type allele (66%, 201/304). Polyclonal infections were detected in 63% (95% CI 56, 69) of the samples, and the MOI (SD) was 1.99 (0.97) in P. falciparum single-species infections. MOIs significantly increased in P. falciparum isolates from symptomatic parasite carriers compared with asymptomatic carriers (2.24 versus 1.69, adjusted b: 0.36, (95% CI 0.01, 0.72), p = 0.046) and parasitaemia > 10,000 parasites/µL compared to parasitaemia < 5000 parasites/µL (2.68 versus 1.63, adjusted b: 0.89, (95% CI 0.46, 1.25), p < 0.001).ConclusionThis survey showed low allelic diversity and MOI of P. falciparum, which reflects a moderate intensity of malaria transmission in the study areas. MOIs were more likely to be common in symptomatic infections and increased with the parasitaemia level. Further studies in different transmission zones are needed to understand the epidemiology and parasite complexity in the DRC.

Environmental and economic performances of municipal solid waste management strategies based on LCA method: A case study of kinshasa

Like many populated urban agglomerations in Africa, Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, faces several challenges to manage its exponentially growing Municipal Solid Waste. With its 12, 000, 000 people daily generating 7800 tons of Municipal Solid waste, the city still struggles with basic services such as waste collection and sanitary landfill. This causes major social, environmental and health related issues. With the aim of contributing to the implementation of a better management system in Kinshasa, this study evaluates the environmental impact and the cost of the existing waste management framework and proposes 6 alternative scenarios. Each scenario attempts to optimize Greenhouse gas emissions and cost, using the Life Cycle Assessment approach. Results show that the current municipal solid waste management in Kinshasa city emits 640,673 tons of CO2 equivalent per year and costs a total of 17, 776, 169.78USD yearly. Focusing on increasing waste collection coverage and recycling activities in the proposed 6 scenarios, scenario 4 where all municipal solid waste is collected, produces 4,042,402 tons of CO2 equivalent per year and costs 143, 296, 983.4 yearly. In scenario 7, considered the most optimized management model for Kinshasa in this study, municipal solid waste is valorized through different treatment processes and atmospheric pollution reaches 2,835,491 tons of CO2 equivalent yearly, with a management cost of 152, 790, 779.4 USD/year. This study finds that the optimization of the Municipal Solid Waste management system in Kinshasa city causes the atmospheric pollution in terms of CO2 equivalent to decrease by half, when all waste is collected. Landfill diversion rate reaches up to 70%, but the overall MSW management cost increases by almost eight times as much as the current operational cost. The optimization of the management system is done by increasing waste collection coverage and implementing diverse streams of waste valorization. Despite the wide use of the Life Cycle Assessment method in waste management and decision making, this method has not yet been, to the best knowledge of the authors, applied in estimating Greenhouse gas emissions and cost of the Municipal Solid Waste in the specific context of Kinshasa city.

Frequency and Socio-Demographic, Cultural, Economic and Obstetrical Determinants the Late Use of Antenatal Consultations in the City Province of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Objective: the study was planned to determine the frequency of late recourse to antenatal consultations (ANC) in the City Province of Kinshasa, and to identify the socio-demographic, cultural, economic and obstetric determinants; to help improve maternal and child health. Method: This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in October 2018 in the health zone of Matete and that of N'sele. 456 mothers took part by answering a questionnaire made available to them with supporting explanation. Data were statistically analyzed using jamovi 1.6.23 software. Descriptive analyzes and logistical regression made it possible to achieve the purpose of the study. Results: 74.1% of mothers had initiated ANC late. The main determinants were: residence in the N'sele’s Health Zone [OR = 3.61 (2.04 – 6.39); p ˂ 0.001]; low level of education [OR = 10.07 (2.68 – 37.87); p ˂ 0.001] or secondary level [OR = 4.61 (1.78 – 11.98); p≤0.002]; marriage [OR = 1.93 (1.04 – 3.59); p ≤ 0.037] as well as dietary restrictions during pregnancy [OR = 2.20 (1.11 – 4.36); p≤0.024]. Conclusion: the frequency of late recourse to antenatal consultations is very high in the City Province of Kinshasa. Strategies to encourage women to initiate early antenatal visits should focus on improving socio-demographic, cultural, economic and obstetrical conditions without forgetting the political and health aspects. The cultural consideration will have to hold the attention of the decision-makers or investigators to the projects related to this problem.

Visual Abilities of Motorcyclists Injured in Road Traffic in the City of Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Visual Abilities of Motorcyclists Injured in Road Traffic in the City of Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Incidence and Determinants of Prematurity in the City of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Incidence and Determinants of Prematurity in the City of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo