Keywords
Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium vivax
Prevalence
Malaria diagnosis
Flow cytometry
Kinshasa
How to Cite
Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health problem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in Kinshasa, where socio-environmental conditions favor intense transmission. Current diagnostic strategies are mainly focused on Plasmodium falciparum, which may lead to under-detection of other species such as Plasmodium vivax, whose presence is increasingly reported in Africa. This situation compromises the accurate estimation of the disease burden and limits the effectiveness of interventions. In this context, the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) approach of the World Health Organization aims to strengthen malaria control strategies in high-endemic areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Kinshasa, to identify associated factors, and to generate evidence-based data useful for optimizing interventions according to the HBHI approach. A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted among 400 participants in the health zones of Mont-Ngafula and Barumbu. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and diagnosis was based on rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), microscopy, and flow cytometry. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum varied according to the diagnostic methods: 10.75% by flow cytometry, 6.5% by thick blood smear, and 14% by RDTs. No cases of Plasmodium vivax were detected. A higher prevalence was observed in peri-urban areas, with significant associations with non-use of insecticide-treated bed nets and poor sanitary conditions. In conclusion, malaria persists in Kinshasa with a heterogeneous distribution. The integration of the HBHI approach, based on robust local data, appears essential to improve detection, adapt interventions, and strengthen the impact of malaria control strategies.
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