Malaria rapid diagnostic test (HRP2/pLDH) positivity, incidence, care accessibility and impact of community WASH Action programme in DR Congo: mixed method study involving 625 households

Abstract Background Malaria is one of the most prevalent and deadliest illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite recent gains made towards its control, many African countries still have endemic malaria transmission. This study aimed to assess burden at household level Kongo central province, Democratic Republic Congo (DRC), impact community participatory Water, Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) Action programme. Methods Mixed method research was conducted two semi-rural towns, Mbanza-Ngungu (a WASH action site) Kasangulu control DRC between 1 January 2017 through March 2018, involving 625 households (3,712 members). Baseline post-intervention surveys were with use World Bank/WHO Indicator Questionnaire. An consisting a six-month carried out which comprised interventions: programme aiming eliminating mosquito breeding areas residential environment anti-malaria education campaign. The latter implemented both sites. In addition, baseline rapid diagnostic test (RDT) performed among respondents. Furthermore, hospital-based epidemiological selected referral hospitals each site from June determine trend. Results Long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) commonly used preventive measure (55%); 24% did not any measures. survey showed that 96% respondents (heads households) reported least episode occurring previous six months; them only 66.5% received care health setting. Research, mean incident cases decreased significantly (2.3 ± 2.2 vs. 1.2 0.7 cases, respectively; p < 0.05), whereas it remained unchanged Control site. Similar findings observed RDT results. Data collected high incidence rate, 67.4%. Low income (ORa = 2.37; 95%CI: 1.05–3.12; proximity risk area for 5.13; 2–29-8.07; 0.001), poor 4.10; 2.11–7.08; 0.001) predictors malaria. Conclusion prevalence positive responders incidence, reduced by 6-month intervention. government should scale up strategy integrating efficient indoor outdoor measures improve accessibility.