Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine mothers’ level of knowledge about dirty hand diseases and the practice of hand hygiene in the Tshopo health zone. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 200 mothers/caregivers selected by a three-stage cluster sampling technique, in the Tshopo health zone, using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were based on proportions, mean and confidence intervals. Results: The most frequently cited dirty-hand diseases were diarrhea (55%), typhoid fever (48%) and amoebiasis (41%). Inadequate hand hygiene (71.5%), soiled food (34%) and unsanitary water (21%) were the most frequently cited contamination routes. Hand hygiene was the best-known measure for preventing dirty hands (71%), and the most frequently cited times for practicing hand hygiene were before eating (77.5%) and after using the toilet (71%). Hand hygiene was most frequently observed before eating (66.5%) and after using the toilet (49%). Hand-washing facilities were close to toilets in 37% of cases. Conclusion: The knowledge of diseases of dirty hands and means of prevention is incomplete but that of hand hygiene as a means of prevention of these diseases is satisfactory. Raising awareness, the availability of washbasins, water and soap near the toilets are actions to be reinforced.

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and satisfaction of the population on the National Program of Sanitized Schools and Villages (NPSSV) as well as their practice in post-certification. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in 3 intervention Health Zones during the period from November 15 to 27, 2022. The statistics were carried out with Pearson’s chi2, Fisher’s Exact Test, ANOVA Test and Kruskal Wallis Test, according to the conditions of their applications. The knowledge most represented on the NPSSV, regardless of site, was «the drinking water coverage improvement program» (99%), the other components of the program were poorly known (p≤0.05). The village certification criteria and the tasks of the village committee members were poorly known (p≤0.05). Almost all of the population currently uses unimproved water sources (92%), indistinctly of Health Zone. Surface water and traditional wells are significantly more used (p≤0.05). Poor construction, lack of maintenance and sabotage of structures were the most cited causes of the deterioration of water structures (p≤0.05). Satisfaction with the program and the quality of the works is very good, differently between the Health Zones (p>0.05). Diarrheal episodes were observed in 33% of households, the median number of people with diarrhea and the median number of children under 5 years of age did not differ between Health Zones (p>0.05). The knowledge of the mothers on the key aspects of the NPSSV is limited, their appreciation of the implementation of the activities is satisfactory and the households no longer use the improved water points. This maintains a high incidence of diarrhea at the household level. Other measures are essential to deal with it.

Introduction : The objective of this study was to analyze the organization and operation of local structures for the management of water structures rehabilitated under the National Program of Sanitized Schools and Villages (NPSSV). Methodology : A descriptive case study was conducted during the period from November 15 to 27, 2022. This is a qualitative study in the form of in-depth interviews with 3 focal points of the Health Zones, 9 Titulaires Nurses of the Health Centers and 18 members of the village committee sanitized. Results : The role of the local village committee and the attributions of the members were less clarified before recruitment, which led to the establishment of village committees unable to meet the expectations of the program and the population. Almost all the water structures are out of use, a consequence of the failure of sustainability mechanisms which were poorly defined, inconsistent and unclear, on the one hand, and the slackening of planning, supervision and monitoring activities by the coordination structures, following the cessation of external financing, on the other hand. Despite the presence of a few local members trained in the preventive maintenance of structures, the unavailability of spare parts on the market and the passivity of the hierarchy in the quest for a solution to the problems of repairing malfunctioning structures were major bottlenecks. All villages have lost certification status. Conclusion : Local governance for the sustainable management of drinking water is deficient in post certification. The failure of support structures has had a negative impact on the establishment and operation of local village committees. A reflection on the methods of setting up village committees and on more sustainable things remains the ideal for successful local governance.

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of syphilis among blood donors in a Rural Health Zone in north-eastern DR Congo (Isangi). Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in the Rural Health Zone of Isangi from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2017 involving 814 blood donors. Results: 814 blood donors were counted including 725 males (89%) and 89 females (11%), a sex ratio M / F of 8.14. The majority of blood donors were 17-25 years old (44%) and 25-35 years old (32%) with a mean age of 32.3 ± 8 years. Family blood donors were the majority (90%). The seroprevalence of syphilis was 1.7%. This seroprevalence was higher among young, male, living alone, family, illiterate and primary and non-professional blood donors. No epidemiological parameters studied were significantly associated with the seropositivity of the antibodies sought. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of syphilis was low in blood donors in the Rural Health Zone of Isangi. This seroprevalence would be underestimated because of the use of a single rapid diagnostic test (RPR) in screening blood donors. The improvement of transfusion safety in the Rural Health Zone of Isangi should be directed towards the abandonment of the family donation, the promotion of the voluntary donation, the organization of the donors in "clubs" and their loyalty.

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and C and HIV among blood donors in the Isangi Rural Health Zone. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in the rural health zone of Isangi from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2017 involving 814 blood donors. The parameters of interest were sociodemographic characteristics and biological results (HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis) using rapid diagnostic tests. Results: 814 blood donors (family and volunteers) were collected, including 725 males (89%) and 89 females (11%). The majority of donors belonged to the age groups of 17-25 years (44%) and 26-35 (32%) and was family donors (90%). The prevalence was 1.7%; 3.2℅; 0.85℅; 3.5% for syphilis, HBV, HIV and HCV, respectively. No epidemiological parameters studied were significantly associated with the seropositivity of the antigens sought (p <0.05). Conclusion: Seroprevalences of infectious markers were relatively low among blood donors in Isangi. These seroprevalences would be underestimated because of the use of rapid diagnostic tests. But they would reflect a difference in epidemiology of infectious agents between rural and urban areas. Improvement of transfusion safety in rural areas should be directed towards the abandonment of family donation, the promotion of voluntary donation, the organization of donors into "clubs" and their loyalty.