Environmental and anthropogenic factors associated with increased malaria incidence in South‐Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine environmental and human factors that affect the spatial and temporal dynamism of malaria in DRC’s South‐Kivu province.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study conducted between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015, spatial distribution was determined through thematic maps of malaria attack rate. SatScan ™ software and Monte Carlo test were used to identify spatial risk clusters. Temporal evolutions were analysed using the Cleveland algorithm. Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape and negative binomial regression were used to assess the independent human and environmental factors associated with incident malaria.ResultsThe cumulative annual incidence of malaria increased from 10 968/100 000 in 2013 to 15 501/100 000 in 2015 (P for trend ˂0.001); malaria lethality increased from 0.1% in 2013 to 0.3% in 2015 (P for trend = 0.62). Between 2010 and 2015, 18 of 34 health zones consistently reported the highest attack rates, which ranged from 25 000 to 50 000/100 000. Four risk clusters areas were identified, with relative risk (RR) of 1.2 to 3.0, from which malaria was reported continuously during each year. Factors significantly associated with malaria cases were agro‐pisciculture practices (Incidence Risk Ratio [IRR]: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.23–3.13) and the presence of a lake in the health zone (IRR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.51–4.42).ConclusionsMalaria control in this setting must be intensified in peri‐lacustrine areas and those in which the population is intensively engaged in standing water‐associated activities.

Prioritization of maternal and newborn health policies and their implementation in the eastern conflict affected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo: a political economy analysis

“…North and South Kivu provinces are among the country’s most severely affected by armed conflict, massive population displacement and complex socio-economic challenges [ 5 , 8 , 15 – 17 ]. In addition to the conflicts, these provinces are regularly hit by recurrent epidemics of infectious diseases and natural disasters, all of which contribute to the precarious health situation of the populations [ 18 – 22 ].…”

Consumer Preference for Rice Grain Quality in the South Kivu and Tanganyika Provinces, Eastern DR Congo

“…In South Kivu, rice is mainly produced in the highlands surrounding the Lake Kivu region, while in Tanganyika, it is grown in the floodplain areas of Lake Tanganyika. The majority of rice farmers in these provinces are small-scale producers who rely on traditional farming methods and have limited access to modern agricultural technologies and inputs [25]. As a result, rice yields in these regions tend to be low, and the quality of the rice produced can also be inconsistent.…”