Vaccination against COVID-19 has been the main strategy used by most countries to limit the spread of the virus. However, vaccine uptake has been low in Africa, leading to the implementation of several interventions in order to improve vaccine coverage. This study was conducted due to the lack of information about COVID-19 vaccine coverage and the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Kinshasa city using multi-stage random sampling. A total of 2160 households were included in this study. The data were analyzed using Stata 17 software. The means and standard deviations were computed for continuous data that followed a normal distribution, whereas proportions together with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for categorical variables. The connections between dependent variables and each independent variable were tested using either Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The logistic regression method was employed to determine the factors that are linked to hesitation in obtaining the COVID-19 immunization. The majority of respondents were aged between 25 and 34 and 35 and 49 (28.9%). During this study, 15% (95% CI [13.25–17.9]) of respondents had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 67% (CI95%:64.9–69.1). Among the reasons given for refusing to be vaccinated, most respondents cited concerns about the vaccine being unsafe or causing adverse reactions (45%). Among the reasons given for accepting the vaccine, 26% thought that the vaccine prevented superinfection. The factors associated with hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine were female gender, an age of less than 35 years, and living in non-slum households. Despite the interventions implemented across the country, the reluctance to be vaccinated remains a problem; this could lead to poor health outcomes, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. It is important to step up awareness-raising campaigns in the community in order to increase the uptake of vaccination.

Introduction: Food insecurity is a vital issue, especially in places such as Kinshasa. Additionally, food insecurity has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, this study examined food insecurity in Kinshasa after the peak of the pandemic to understand the impact of post-pandemic recovery efforts as well as the heterogeneity of this problem according to the residence of respondent (slum vs. non-slum areas). Methods: Grounded in the four key dimensions of food security (availability, access, vulnerability, and utilization), this cross-sectional study was conducted in Kinshasa with a representative sample of 2170 households selected from 62 enumeration areas. We used a questionnaire to interview participants about their food situations. Interviews were conducted with the head of each household or their designated representative by 150 master’s students using tablets powered by the SurveyCTO application. Household food security status was evaluated using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. A logistic regression model was developed to assess household risk factors associated with food insecurity. Results: Most people we talked to were over 40 years old, and many lived in households with fewer than six people. About a third of the households were overcrowded. The prevalence of food insecurity was 76.5% (95%CI: 74.6–78.3). Factors associated with food insecurity included being a household head aged over 50 years, insufficient living space, lower socioeconomic status, and residing in slum areas (AOR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.06–1.79). Conclusions: Vulnerable groups, such as slum residents, older adults, and informal workers are more likely to be affected by food insecurity. Addressing these challenges requires the government to develop targeted strategies that bolster resilience and mitigate household vulnerability during crises.

The 2025 Ebola outbreak that ravaged the Bulape Health District (HD) in Kasai, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was tackled using the incident management system (IMS) model. The Bulape HD is located in the Mweka territory, which has experienced two Ebola epidemics: one in 2007 and another in 2008. The IMS comprises seven strategies recommended for an effective response to an Ebola outbreak: (i) thorough investigation, (ii) strengthening infection prevention and control measures in the community, (iii) ensuring that medical care is provided by experienced professionals, (iv) strengthening risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), (v) ring vaccination, (vi) operational research, and (vii) anchoring interventions in the existing health system. We share our experience implementing these seven strategies and compare them with those utilized during three previous Ebola outbreaks. This paper describes our achievements, the resulting benefits, and the factors that facilitated the implementation of the aforementioned strategies. A literature review and interviews were conducted. The atlas.ti 22 software was used for data analysis. Implementing these seven strategies contributed to an effective response, largely due to the experience and expertise of those involved but also thanks to the support of technical and financial partners (TFPs) and the engagement of the local community. Challenges such as geographical accessibility, the fragile health system, the community’s strong attachment to traditional practices, and negative reactions to healthcare—which was widely discredited, with many of those involved expressing a lack of faith in its effectiveness—were major obstacles. To overcome these challenges, an integrated approach was utilized, combining a rapid comprehensive response with deep and respectful community engagement. The support and alignment of TFPs were invaluable during this process. The RCCE pillar proved key to successful IMS implementation. Our experiences will be useful during the next Ebola outbreak in the DRC; additionally, they may also help to inform the response to similar outbreaks in other countries.

Background: Worldwide, around 73 million induced abortions take place every year. Of these, 45% are unsafe and can lead to complications. The evolution of the legal and practical landscape of abortion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) over the last few years necessitates a re-examination of the experience of induced abortion, leading this study to measure the incidence of abortion among young women (15 to 29 years of age), as well as the heterogeneity of this problem according to the residence of these young women (slum vs. non-slum areas). Methodology: We used representative survey data on women aged 15–49 in Kinshasa, collected from December 2021 to April 2022. The survey included questions about the respondents’ and their closest confidants’ experience of induced abortion, including the methods and sources used. We estimated abortion incidence and heterogeneity over one year based on residence in the city of Kinshasa according to sociodemographic characteristics. Results: The fully adjusted one-year friend abortion rate in 2021 was 131.5 per 1000 (95% CI: IQR 99.4–163.6). These rates were significantly higher than the corresponding estimates of respondents. The incidence of induced abortion for respondents was 24.4 per 1000 (95% CI: 15.8–32.9) abortions per 1000 women. The incidence rates of induced abortion were much higher among the respondents residing in slums than among those residing in non-slums (29.2 vs. 13.0 per 1000; p < 0.001). Slum respondents indicated higher use of non-recommended methods than non-slum respondents. Conclusions: More precise estimates of the incidence of abortion indicate that the incidence rate of abortion was higher among young women residing in slums who were unmarried and had no children. These incidences were higher among confidants than among respondents. There is still a lot of work to be done to fulfill the obligations outlined in the Maputo Protocol. The aim is to decrease the occurrence of unsafe abortions and their associated effects.

Introduction: Sub-Saharan Africa in general, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in particular, is undergoing an epidemiological transition characterized by a more rapid increase in the number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, the level of readiness of the DRC’s healthcare facilities (HFs) to manage these diseases is unknown. Thus, our study aimed to assess these HFs’ level of readiness to manage cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 1412 HFs in the DRC, selected by stratified random sampling. They are representative of the country’s 26 provinces. The World Health Organization (WHO) Service Availability and Readiness Survey (SARA) was used. The “readiness” outcome was a composite measure of the capacity of HFs to manage CVD and diabetes. The readiness indicator comprised four domains, and a score of ≥70% indicated “readiness” to manage CVD and diabetes. Informed consent was obtained from the stakeholders, and the ethics committee held a positive opinion. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17 software. Results: The average readiness scores of the DRC’s HFs to manage CVD and diabetes are less than 50%, being 38.3% (37.3–39.3) and 39.8% (38.7–40.9), respectively. These scores were less than 40% for CVD and diabetes in rural HFs. They were less than 30% for CVD and diabetes in primary-level HF. No province possesses over 50% of health facilities equipped to address cardiovascular illnesses, and only four provinces (Haut Uele, Kinshasa, Nord Kivu, and Sud Kivu) possess over 50% of health facilities equipped to address diabetes. The provinces with health facilities exhibiting the least preparedness in managing cardiovascular illnesses and diabetes are Nord Ubangi and Sankuru. Only 0.07% (0.01–0.5) of HFs obtained a score ≥ 70% for CVD management, and 5.9% (4.8–7.3) obtained this score for diabetes management. Conclusions: Significant deficiencies must be rectified to enhance service delivery in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Most primary-level and rural facilities demonstrated inadequate preparedness for CVD and diabetes screening and management, exhibiting low readiness scores and limited-service availability in the assessed domains. While secondary-level services are relatively accessible, critical gaps persist that must be addressed to improve readiness for CVD and diabetes care. Healthcare facilities should possess the capacity to deliver recommended services across various tiers, ensuring both service readiness and availability.

Introduction: Food insecurity is a vital issue, especially in places like Kinshasa. Additionally, food insecurity has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, this study examined food insecurity in Kinshasa after the peak of the pandemic to understand food insecurity in post-pandemic recovery efforts and the possible implications for public health policies for future pandemics similar to COVID-19. Methods: This study was conducted in Kinshasa with a representative sample of 2,160 households selected from 36 enumeration areas. We interviewed participants from different areas and used a questionnaire to ask them about their food situation. Interviews were conducted with the head of each household or their designated representative by 150 master’s students using tablets powered by the SurveyCTO application. Household food security status was evaluated through the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. A logistic regression model was developed to assess household risk factors associated with food insecurity. Results: Most people we talked to were over 40 years old, and many lived in households with fewer than six people. About a third of the households were overcrowded. Factors associated with food insecurity included being a household head aged over 50 years, insufficient living space, lower socioeconomic status, and residing in slum areas (AOR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.06–1.79). In 2022, 12,627,424 individuals faced food insecurity in Kinshasa, including 8,829,820 individuals who experienced severe food insecurity. Conclusion: Living conditions play a significant role in food insecurity. Governments need to do more to help people, especially those living in crowded areas. To combat economic restrictions that lead to food insecurity during crises, policymakers and implementing partners should enhance food assistance programs, such as cash transfers and food supply initiatives, focusing on overcrowded households and the informal job sector. Key Messages: What is already known on this topic: This study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of food security, defined as the continuous access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, comprising availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. Food insecurity, resulting from unmet needs in any of these dimensions, correlates with poor health outcomes and increased mortality. The global COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with rates exceeding 50%. Factors such as poverty, living conditions, low income, lack of livestock, large household size, and psychological factors contribute significantly. While prior studies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo exist, they are limited, often focusing on specific groups. This study aims to comprehensively assess household food security in Kinshasa during the post-COVID-19 period, identifying associated factors for a more nuanced understanding. What this study adds: This study adds to the existing literature by investigating the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity during a global health crisis, employing the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale for assessment. It contributes novel insights by examining the prevalence and severity of food insecurity in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, offering a unique context for understanding the impact of a global health crisis on household food security. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy: The study recommends implementing cash transfer strategies for vulnerable households, particularly those with informal jobs and young children, based on significant associations between lower socioeconomic status and food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another recommendation is to expand food assistance programs for overcrowded households and the informal job sector, addressing the high prevalence of food insecurity in slum areas. Other social and structural determinants of food security, such as women’s empowerment and access to water and electricity, should be further researched.