Université Evangélique en Afrique

BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the leading cause of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), accounting for 70% of the global maternal death burden. Despite international guidelines, the management of these conditions, particularly preeclampsia, is hindered by significant structural, clinical, and sociocultural challenges in low-income countries. This narrative review critically analyzes the challenges in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of HDP in resource-constrained settings in SSA, and identifies contextually appropriate solutions to improve maternal outcomes.MethodsA literature search of studies published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and African Journal Online databases. This review synthesizes evidence from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies and systematic reviews focusing on the epidemiological, organizational, and community dimensions of care for hypertensive disorders across SSA countries. Studies were selected on the basis of their relevance to HDP care challenges and innovations in SSA. The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guided the rigor and reporting of this review, with six core criteria systematically applied: justification of article selection, comprehensive literature search, quality assessment, evidence synthesis, transparent reporting, and methodological transparency.ResultsKey challenges identified included fragmented health systems, poor adherence to clinical protocols, shortages of essential medicines and equipment, inadequate healthcare worker training, delayed care-seeking due to low health literacy and cultural beliefs, and insufficient epidemiological data. Promising strategies include strengthening antenatal care and screening, maternal education, task-sharing with community health workers, providing targeted training for healthcare workers, implementing simplified protocols, utilizing task sharing with community health workers, and enhancing interdisciplinary coordination.ConclusionReducing maternal mortality due to HDP in SSA requires an integrated approach that combines strengthening health systems, community engagement, targeted training, and context-adapted guidelines. Sustained investment in local research, data sharing, and policy reform is essential for achieving sustainable improvements in maternal health care.

This study assessed the morphometric diversity, genetic relationships, and histological profiles of Nile tilapia populations in Mwenga territory, South Kivu, an area affected by mining activities. A total of 144 specimens were collected from four subareas (Mwenga Centre, Kamituga, Kibe, and Kitutu) and analyzed at the Molecular Biology Laboratory of the Université Evangélique en Afrique. Analysis of 22 morphometric traits showed statistically significant variations (p < 0.05) among subareas, except for eye diameter, snout length, third anal spine length, longest anal ray, and post-orbital length, which did not exhibit significant differences. The heaviest fish were found in Kamituga (168.57 g), while the longest were in Kitutu (16.13 cm). Principal component analysis revealed three distinct clusters based on morphometric traits. Genetic analysis of 22 specimens using CO1 gene sequencing indicated moderate differentiation among subpopulations (Fst = 0.13) and low pairwise genetic distances, suggesting weak genetic divergence. Histopathological examination of selected tissues (flesh, liver, gills, fins, and heart) showed that flesh was the most affected tissue (35.62 %), with Kamituga exhibiting the highest hemosiderin deposits in muscle and liver, indicating potential heavy-metal contamination. These findings provide a valuable baseline for future genetic improvement and conservation strategies in the region.

This study investigates the influence of the hospital physical environment (HPE) on the mental health outcomes (MHO) of long-term inpatients (LTPs) at Panzi General Referral Hospital. Using a mixed-methods, convergent parallel design, data were collected from 84 participants (60 LTPs, 10 relatives, 14 healthcare providers) via census and random sampling, employing surveys, standardized tests (the WHO-5 or Subjective Well-Being Index and the K10 or Kessler psychological distress scale), and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results revealed a complex relationship as a clean and safe HPE was significantly associated with reduced psychological distress (HPE → K10, β = -0.343, p = 0.016), but not with improved subjective well-being (HPE → WHO-5, β = 0.310, p = 0.545). Qualitative findings clarify this discrepancy, indicating that while the HPE is perceived positively, its benefits are overshadowed by a lack of privacy and amenities, carceral-like conditions, and exposure to daily trauma. The study concludes that while a functionally adequate HPE is necessary to mitigate distress, it is insufficient alone to promote patient well-being. Therefore, we propose a holistic model that integrates targeted improvements to the physical environment with essential social and relational interventions, such as cultural activities, shared spaces, and accessible amenities, to effectively support the mental health of LTPs.

Abstract Background The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) presents unique environmental conditions that shape pasture composition and productivity. However, overgrazing, deforestation, and recurrent bushfires have degraded the grasslands, threatening livestock productivity and biodiversity. Despite these challenges, little is documented on the dominant plant species and their ecological adaptations. By analysing the floristic diversity and soil properties across these regions, this study seeks to identify key constraints and opportunities for optimizing pasture management. Results The findings revealed 209 plant species belonging to 49 botanic families where Poaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae were dominant. Annual grasses (40.7%) were dominant type over perennial grasses (29.3%) and shrubs (23.6%). The soils in the Ruzizi plain are mainly sandy and medium in nitrogen and very low in phosphorus, and are clayey and slightly acidic. The regions of Kabare and Kalehe have low phosphorus content and medium nitrogen content while those in Kalemie are mainly loamy besides being rich in silt and with relatively favorable pH for plant growth (5.5–6.5). The fidelity index (FI) of plant species revealed that the grazing lands in the Hinterland of Bukavu were characterized by 4 plant species including Centella asiatica , Digitaria vestida , Sporobolus pyramidalis and Pennisetum clandestinum , while the Ruzizi plain was characterized by 40 species with Brachiaria ruziziensis , Sporobolus sp., Acacia spinoza and Stylosanthes scabra being dominant; and Kalemie had 21 characteristic species among which Hypparhenia sp., Parinaria sp., Costus sp. and Guizotia scabra presented a FI &gt; 0.65. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that the floristic composition of grazing lands in eastern DRC is richly diverse and is mainly influenced by soil properties and agroecological conditions. Despite the high floristic richness observed in the study area, most of the plant species are increasers that have survived under disturbance conditions such as overgrazing and repeated bushfires, and therefore are not suitable for guaranteeing the optimum productivity of grazing animals. In the communal grazing system, common approaches are suggested for joint interventions between pasture users and relevant government departments. In the private grazing system, removal of increasers and introduction of improved grasses such as improved Brachiaria cultivars are suggested to achieve a balance among species diversity protection, cattle production, and soil quality management.

Amelioration of maternal nutrition is crucial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), that experiences political instability and malnutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nutrition-specific interventions on nutritional knowledge, dietary practices, and hemoglobin (Hb) status among lactating mothers in the Bukavu region, DRC. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 416 mother-infant pairs from 3-6 to 6-9 months postpartum. The mothers were classified according to their mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and subsequently assigned to the following intervention and control groups by block randomization: low MUAC-nutrition education, low MUAC-lipid-based nutrient supplements, low MUAC-control; normal MUAC-control; high MUAC-nutrition education, high MUAC-control. The pre- and post-intervention assessments included questionnaires on nutritional knowledge and practice to calculate scores (range 0-1); 24h dietary recalls to calculate the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS, range 0-10); and measurement of maternal Hb. Changes of these parameters from pre- to post-intervention were analyzed by linear mixed models. The change of total knowledge score from pre- to post-intervention was significantly positively affected by reception of nutrition education with a model-based mean difference of 0.161 between mothers with nutrition education compared to those without (p = 0.000). The change in DDS was not affected, but there was a positive impact of nutrition education on the modification of complementary feeding practices (OR 2.930, p = 0.030). Change in maternal Hb was not different between the intervention and control groups with higher increases among mothers with anemia compared to all mothers. Nutrition education can positively influence knowledge and potentially complementary feeding, while further measures may be required for beneficial effects on anemia. The study was registered prospectively at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; DRKS-ID DRKS00012842) on November 27, 2017.

Que veut le M23? A propos de l'application de l'accord de paix du 23 mars 2009 | Congo-Afrique - Revue Congo-Afrique, la référence en matière d'économie, politique, vie sociale et culture en RDC et en Afrique

Introduction: The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal husbandry has been banned due to concerns that antibiotic residues can accumulate in animal tissues and lead to bacterial resistance. The present study aimed to explore the effects of varying amounts of Cyperus alternifolius (C. alternifolius) rhizome powder on feed digestibility, growth performance, intestinal microbial flora, hemato-biochemical parameters, and immune responses in broiler chickens as an alternative to antibiotics. Materials and methods: An experiment was conducted at the Application and Research Farm of the University of Dschang (Cameroon) over 49 days. A total of 512 day-old broiler chickens, including 256 males and 256 females, were randomly assigned to eight treatment groups, with four replicates of 16 chickens each, with equal numbers from both sexes. The treatment groups included a negative control group which administered a basal diet without additive (NC), a basal diet containing 1 g of doxycycline/kg of feed as the positive control group (PC), and six diets containing the powder of C. alternifolius rhizome as a phyto-additive, at the dose of 1 g of C. alternifolius/kg of feed (T1), 2 g (T2), 4 g (T4), 6 g (T6), 8 g (T8) and 10 g (T10). The growth performance, carcass characteristics, microbial flora, feed digestibility, the immune system, and hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated.Results: Live weight and weight gain increased by approximately 7.02% and 7.11%, respectively, in T4 compared with NC during the finisher phase. Feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced in T4 by approximately 11.05% compared to NC, but it was comparable to that of PC, T6, and T8. The number of lactobacilli and crude protein digestibility increased significantly in all treatment groups compared to NC. Furthermore, in T4, the number of Escherichia coli significantly decreased by 40.9% compared to NC, T1, T8, and T10. Besides the notable increase in total protein level in T4 compared with other groups, the hemato-biochemical parameters of the chickens showed no significant differences across groups.Conclusion: Cyperus alternifolius at a dose of 4 g/kg of feed demonstrated potential as an alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics, with diminished adverse effects on broiler chicken health.

BackgroundOver the past two decades, armed conflicts have intensified globally, with Africa disproportionately affected. Since January 2025, renewed violence by the March 23 Movement (M23) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has generated widespread trauma, displacement, and psychological distress. Beyond emotional suffering, trauma has been linked to altered body perception and reduced body satisfaction, particularly among women survivors of violence, adding further complexity to the psychological burden.ObjectivesThis study assessed the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among hospital patients in Bukavu and examined associations with body-related symptoms and body satisfaction. It was hypothesized that many patients would meet PTSD criteria, that affected individuals would report lower body satisfaction and greater body-related distress, and that only a small minority would have accessed psychological care.Methods and materialsData were collected at Ruhigita Clinic, South Kivu. Adults aged 18–65 completed the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5, French version) and the Bruchon-Schweitzer Body Satisfaction Questionnaire. A PTSD score ≥32 indicated clinical symptoms; adequate body satisfaction was defined as ≥3. Interviews lasted 45–60 min and included demographic and trauma-related data.ResultsA total of 356 patients participated. The mean PTSD score (M = 23.49; SD = 19.90) was below the diagnostic threshold; however, 31.5% (n = 112) met PTSD criteria. Among them, 57.1% reported dissatisfaction with body appearance, compared to 32.4% of non-PTSD participants. PTSD was significantly associated with somatic symptoms such as hypertension, diabetes, stomach pain, insomnia, and cardiac complaints. Reported traumas included natural disasters (74.6%), interpersonal violence (73.7%), transport accidents (54.8%), and sexual assaults (54.1%). Natural disasters, particularly floods and wildfires, showed strong associations with PTSD onset. Despite 80% awareness of psychological services, only 9.8% had consulted a clinical psychologist. Gender differences emerged: women relied mainly on religious or spiritual support, while men favoured traditional practices.ConclusionThis study confirms a strong link between PTSD, body dissatisfaction, and somatic symptoms in a conflict-affected population. Despite high awareness of distress, mental health service use remains low. Findings highlight the need for integrative, culturally sensitive interventions that respect local understandings of trauma and healing while addressing urgent gaps in psychological care.

BackgroundGlobally, 40% of adolescent girls and young women suffer from urogenital tract infections (UGTIs) that affect their quality of life (QOL). Despite their significant health burdens, these conditions remain underreported and understudied, particularly in Low and Middle-income Countries (LMICs)This study aimed to examine the determinants of urogenital infection-related symptoms in adolescent girls and young adult women students.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls and young women in ten secondary and university institutions from December 2022 to April 2023 in Bukavu, Eastern DRC. Using purposive sampling, 1,500 questionnaires were distributed with 1,048 completed responses from 1,200 returns. The variables included age, education level, origin, knowledge of infections, hygiene behaviors (self-medication, contraception, water intake, and sanitation), and urogenital infection symptoms. A logistic regression model was used to examine predictors of urogenital infections using Stata SE14.0.ResultsA total of 1048 adolescent girls and young women, aged between 12 and 30 years with a mean age of 20 years, were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of related urogenital infection symptoms was 12% among school-going adolescent girls and young women in secondary schools and universities in Bukavu town, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Several factors were significantly associated, notably information about UGTIs and their symptoms (AOR: 4.52; 95% CI: 2.45–8.22; p < 0.001). The use of rain, ground, river or lake water while bathing increased the risk of UGTI symptoms (AOR: 4.08; 95% CI: 2.10–7.95; p < 0.001). Adding disinfectants to water reduced this risk but did not cancel it (AOR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.10–2.05, p = 0.034). Communal bathing vessels (AOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.17–2.94, p = 0.008), the habit of wearing clothing that permanently tightens the perineum(AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.14–3.90, p = 0.016), and antibiotic self-medication (AOR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.36–3.02, p < 0.001) were associated with UGTI symptoms.ConclusionUrogenital tract infections (UGTIs) are common among adolescent girls and young women in educational settings in Bukavu, DRC. Symptoms were determined by a lack of information on UGTIs, women’s hygiene practices, self-medication, and lifestyle habits. Comprehensive health education overhaul is needed to effectively address public health concerns.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-025-04057-8.

Abstract Underutilized oilseed crops contribute significantly to food security and poverty alleviation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, their potential remains underexploited due to limited data on their oil quality and potential applications. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of avocado and coconut oils extracted using solvent-based (ethanol) and solvent-free methods, and assessed their suitability for soap production. Solvent extraction yielded 20 – 30% higher oil outputs compared to solvent-free extraction. Avocado oil obtained via solvent extraction exhibited higher acid and free fatty acid values of about 25% and more than double, respectively, than the solvent-free method. Its saponification value was also approximately 8% higher with solvent extraction than the solvent-free method. For coconut oil, acid and free fatty acid values were slightly higher with solvent extraction, while its saponification value was about 7% higher than that of the solvent-free method. Solvent-extracted oils exhibited higher ester values, suggesting more efficient extraction of lipid components. Soaps produced from these oils showed alkaline pH values within acceptable ranges (9.2 and 8.7 for avocado and coconut oil, respectively). Additionally, coconut oil-based soap demonstrated superior foaming capacity compared to avocado oil-based soap, indicating better performance in soap formulation. Despite slightly lower yields, solvent-free oil extraction offers a practical, low-cost solution for small-scale rural soap production, particularly empowering women and youth by integrating underutilized local resources with minimal input requirements. These results underscore the importance of enhancing local oil extraction technologies and promoting the industrial value-addition of underutilized oilseed crops.