[Prevalence of trachoma in the Popokabaka and Kasongolunda health zones in Kwango province Democratic Republic of Congo: a quantitative study].

INTRODUCTION

trachoma is a major public health problem worldwide. Africa is the continent most affected, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is confronted with ocular complications due to this pathology. Data from the partial mapping of trachoma in the DRC show that it is widespread, justifying further studies. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of trachoma in two health zones in southwest DRC.

METHODS

a trachoma prevalence survey was conducted in February 2023 in the Popokabaka and Kasongolunda health zones in Kwango province, DRC. A sample of 20 villages was selected by cluster sampling proportional to size. In the households selected in each village, all people aged 1 to 9 and those aged 15 and over were screened using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified classification system, and the data were subjected to descriptive statistics and prevalence calculations.

RESULTS

the prevalence of follicular trachoma in children aged 1 to 9 was 8.9%, and that of trachomatous trichiasis in subjects aged 15 and over was 0.1%.

CONCLUSION

this prevalence exceeds the WHO critical threshold (5%). Interventions appropriate to the communities concerned are needed to eliminate trachoma by 2030.