Search Results (119)

The urban trade in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) plays a key role in sustaining livelihoods in the Global South, while also suggesting potential pressure on resource supply systems. This study provides an integrated analysis of NTFP diversity, market structure, economic importance, and perceived drivers of resource decline in Kolwezi, a rapidly expanding mining city where such dynamics remain poorly documented. Data were collected through surveys conducted with 35 sellers across two major urban markets and 384 consumers from different neighbourhoods and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to examine patterns, associations, and socio-demographic influences. A total of 65 NTFP species were recorded, including 49 plant, 14 animal, and 2 fungal species, reflecting strong dependence on Miombo ecosystems. Medicinal (59.3%) and food uses dominate, with multifunctional species such as Bobgunnia madagascariensis (Desv.) J.H.Kirkbr. & Wiersama, Canarium schweinfurthii Engl., Terminalia mollis M.A.Lawson, Gardenia ternifolia subsp. jovis-tonantis (Welw.) Verdc., and Albizia antunesiana Harms, playing a central role in both household use and market supply. The trade is largely female-dominated (79.1%) and constitutes a major component of the informal urban economy, with monthly incomes ranging from USD 9 to 429.3, primarily driven by sales volume rather than unit price. However, the sector is constrained by structural and logistical limitations, including remoteness of supply areas, seasonality, and limited value addition. The perceived declining availability of high-use-value species, attributed by respondents to deforestation, mining expansion, and overexploitation, highlights perceived sustainability concerns. These pressures are perceived differently across socio-demographic groups, indicating heterogeneous understandings of environmental change. Overall, the results indicate a perceived mismatch between rising urban demand and declining resource availability, which may reflect an emerging socio-ecological imbalance between urban demand and perceived resource availability. Addressing these challenges requires integrated strategies that combine the domestication of priority species, the development of processing chains, improved infrastructure, and strengthened governance mechanisms. Such approaches are essential to reconcile livelihood support with the sustainable management of NTFPs in rapidly transforming urban landscapes. Full article

In this study, the in situ solvothermal synthesis of a copper-based metal–organic framework (Cu-BTC MOF) into two porous ceramic substrates with a 10 cm diameter and 2 cm thickness was reported. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Tauc plot analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were the techniques that were utilized to verify the formation and incorporation of the MOF into ceramics (two samples, with different SiO₂ particles; 500 µm (Ceramic 1), and 150 µm (Ceramic 2)). The synthesized Cu-MOF exhibited a crystalline structure. Both the composites and the Cu-MOF exhibited visible-light absorption, with optical band gaps of 2.5 eV and 2.4 eV, respectively, as determined by DRS. TEM images demonstrated that crystalline MOF domains were successfully included inside the ceramics. Methyl orange (MO), Congo red (CR), and methylene blue (MB) were used to assess the composites’ ability to remove dyes. Catalytic hydrogenation, powered by in situ hydrogen production from NaBH₄ hydrolysis, demonstrated high removal efficiencies of 91–97% after 60 min. Adsorption, on the other hand, was ineffective. Despite undergoing four consecutive cycles without performance degradation, the materials demonstrated remarkable recyclability. Cu-MOF@ceramic composites are effective, durable, and practically applicable for improved wastewater treatment. Full article

The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the environmental impact of industrial pollutants, particularly synthetic dyes, emphasize the pressing requirement for novel solutions. This study investigates the green synthesis of ZnO/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites using Urtica dioica extract with the aim of achieving dual functionality as both antimicrobial agents and photocatalysts for pollutant degradation. The nanocomposites were synthesized with varying loads of Fe₂O₃ (5–50%) and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). XRD analysis confirmed the presence of both the hexagonal wurtzite ZnO phase and the α-Fe₂O₃ hematite phase in all the composites, while DRS analysis revealed that the bandgap energy decreased progressively (from 1.89 to 1.72 eV) as the Fe₂O₃ content increased. The photocatalytic efficiency of the composites was evaluated by degrading methylene blue (MB), Congo Red (CR) and safranin O (SO) dyes under visible light. This demonstrated that the degradation performance depends on the composition, with the best activity being observed at 5% Fe₂O₃. Antioxidant activity was assessed using a DPPH• free radical scavenging assay. This showed that Urtica dioica extract exhibits superior radical scavenging capacity (maximum inhibition of 38%) compared to ZnO/Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (maximum inhibition of 18%). The antibacterial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated using direct confrontation and disk diffusion methods. This revealed that the activity was dose- and light-dependent, with enhanced performance under light exposure (10 mm inhibition zone) compared to dark conditions (1 mm). This study demonstrates the successful green synthesis of biphasic ZnO/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites with promising photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties. While the results suggest possible synergistic interactions between the oxides, the underlying mechanisms, including potential charge transfer effects, require further investigation using advanced characterization techniques. Using Urtica dioica extract as a biogenic source provides a promising eco-friendly approach to synthesizing nanomaterials, with potential applications in wastewater treatment and the biomedical field. Full article

Background: Fixed-dose combination drugs (FDCs) are combinations of two or more active ingredients in a single dosage form. These formulations have proven effective in combating the development of resistance in diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. Despite the benefits observed in the aforementioned cases, fixed-dose antibiotics combinations (FDACs) are increasingly raising questions about their rationality. This is the case for several FDACs listed in the AWaRe classification as not recommended, which unfortunately remain available on the pharmaceutical market, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Objectives: To identify the essential medicines available in pharmacies open to the public in the city of Kinshasa and to assess their inclusion in the DRC’s National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) List of Essential Medicines (LEM). The rationality of the FDACs circulating in the city of Kinshasa were also evaluated based on the 2023 AWaRe classification. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted between February and October 2025 in Kinshasa. For this purpose, fifty registered pharmacies open to the public were selected by systematic random sampling as the research sample. Data collection consisted of completing a data collection form after we had provided the pharmacies’ owners with the necessary explanations regarding the importance of the study and guaranteed their anonymity. Results: The controlled FDACs encountered comprised 27 specialties across 15 different formulations. Out of 15 formulations, 12 (80%) were included on the WHO list of non-recommended antibiotics and were not included in the DRC’s NLEM nor in the WHO’s LEM. Some had been withdrawn from the market in their countries of manufacture. Of the 15 FDACs evaluated for their rationality and compliance, the injectable FDACs presented problems related to the relevance and completeness of information contained on their packaging. On their primary packaging, there was a significant difference in the expiration dates of the powder and sterile water for injection contained in the combination pack, ranging from 6 to 36 months. Furthermore, the secondary packaging lacked data related to the sterile water for injection contained in the combination pack. In addition, several medications contained the same therapeutic combination. For injectable FDAC, for example, the combination Ceftriaxone-Sulbactam was represented by eight medications. For oral FDACs, the combination Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim was represented by seven medications. Globally, 100% of these drug combinations originated from India. Conclusions: Fifteen varieties of FDACs were available in Kinshasa, most of which (80%) were unsuitable. It is important that public health authorities address this situation and develop stricter guidelines for granting marketing authorizations, particularly for FDACs. Full article

Background: At the end of each year, stakeholders of the Essential Immunization Programme (EPI) in the DR Congo meet to review progress made and lessons learned from the implementation of the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) and to set priorities for the following year. This paper presents a conference report that summarizes the main outcomes of the 2025 annual review meeting, which took place from 15 to 20 December 2025, and attracted 76 participants. Conference takeaways: While the 2024 WUENIC data show that the DR Congo is off-track for the 2030 Immunization agenda targets for all antigens, the administrative coverages were reported as optimal in 2025. EPI activities are planned based on administrative coverages, likely overestimated. In 2025, 47% of health zones in North-Kivu, South-Kivu and Ituri (49 out of 104) were fully or partially controlled by armed groups, leading to partial disruptions of immunization service delivery. In 2025, the DR Congo successfully launched the measles–rubella vaccine introduction preceded by a catch-up vaccination campaign in children aged from 6 months to 14 years old and continued to roll out malaria vaccines using a phased approach. Conclusions: Learning from the implementation of the 2025 AOP, the EPI stakeholders adopted a set of priority actions for the immunization programme in 2026. Full article

Village landscapes within an 80 km radius of Lubumbashi (south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo) are undergoing rapid spatial transformation driven by subsistence agriculture, charcoal production, and mining activities. This study analyzes how these transformations are spatially perceived and organized across five village territories of the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin using an adapted version of Kevin Lynch’s perceptual model. Landscape elements were independently identified by trained cartographic observers and by local community members. A comparison of the resulting maps yields a Sørensen similarity index ranging between 70% and 75% across villages, indicating strong convergence in spatial interpretation despite differences in expertise. Among the perceptual components, districts and landmarks account for nearly half of all identified elements and comprise the most perceptible anthropogenic disturbances. Spatial analysis shows that areas perceived as negatively impacted represent between 40% and 79% of total village surfaces. Deforestation associated with post-cultivation fallow dominates in Makisemu (47.6%) and Texas (64.4%), while woodland degradation linked to charcoal production is particularly pronounced in Mwawa (39.0%) and Luisha (25.1%). Mining-related disturbances, including soil and water alteration, are especially evident in Nsela (24.6%). These findings demonstrate that Lynch’s framework, although originally developed for urban systems, can effectively structure perception in diffuse rural woodland environments when methodologically adapted. Perception-based cartography therefore provides a robust complementary tool to biophysical monitoring for understanding the spatial footprint of anthropogenic pressures at the village scale and informing ecosystem restoration strategies. Full article

Maize is vital for food systems and rural livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Continuous cultivation depletes soil nutrients, reducing maize production. Inorganic (or mineral) fertilizers provide nutrients rapidly, but their cost and sustainability concerns have prompted interest in alternatives. Biological amendments improve nutrient uptake and soil structure and boost crop resistance, potentially cutting mineral fertilizer use. The present study aims to investigate the direct and residual effects of biological amendments (BAs) on maize productivity in the Eastern DRC, both when applied alone or combined with inorganic fertilizer, with trials conducted in the Kabare, Kalehe, and Ruzizi Plain regions from October 2022 to June 2024. Two trials across four seasons gathered data using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments and three replicates: Control, without fertilizer application; farmer practice; inorganic fertilizer (NPK 17-17-17 and urea); BA_1: Lactobacillus; BA_2: fish serum; BA_3: black soldier fly (BSF) compost; BA_1 + inorganic fertilizer; BA_2 + inorganic fertilizer; and BA_3 + inorganic fertilizer. The results identified three categories: integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers, single applications, and inconsistent uses. The best outcomes emerged from treatments combining Lactobacillus, fish serum, and BSF compost with inorganic fertilizer, positively impacting maize yield parameters. The study confirms that combining biological amendments and mineral fertilizers significantly (p < 0.001) enhances maize productivity in the Eastern DRC. Performance differences across locations emphasize the influence of local soil characteristics and targeted nutrient strategies. Full article

Millions of healthcare workers experience percutaneous exposure to bloodborne communicable infectious disease pathogens annually, with the risk of contracting occupationally acquired infections. In this study, we aimed to assess the status of occupational safety and outbreak preparedness in Congolese nurses and laboratory technicians in Kongo central and the Katanga area, amidst multiple ongoing public health emergencies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This was a multicenter analytical cross-sectional study conducted in five referral hospitals located in Kongo central province and the Katanga area between 2019 and 2020 amidst Ebola, Yellow fever, Cholera and Chikungunya outbreaks. Participants were adult A0 grade nurses, A1 nurses, A2 nurses and medical laboratory technicians (N = 493). They answered a structured, self-administered questionnaire related to hospital hygiene and standard precautions for occupational infection prevention. The majority of the respondents were females (53.6%), and 30.1% of them have never participated in a training session on hospital infection prevention during their career. The proportions of those who have been immunized against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was markedly low, at 16.5%. Of the respondents, 75.3% have been using safety-engineered medical devices (SEDs), whereas 93.5% consistently disinfected medical devices after use. Moreover, 78% of the respondents used gloves during medical procedures and 92.2% wore masks consistently. A large majority of the respondents, 82.9%, have been recapping the needles after use. Regarding participation in outbreak response, 24.5% and 12.2% of the respondents were Chikungunya and Cholera epidemic responders, respectively; 1.8% have served in Ebola outbreak sites. The proportion of the respondents who sustained at least one percutaneous injury by needlestick or sharp device, blood/body fluid splash or both in the previous 12-month period was high, 89.3% (41.8% for injury, 59.2% for BBF event), and most of them (73%) reported over 11 events. Compared to laboratory technicians, nurses had higher odds for sustaining percutaneous injury and BBF events [OR = 1.38 (0.16); p < 0.01], whereas respondents with longer working experience were less likely to sustain those events [OR = 0.47 (0.11); p < 0.001]. Findings from this study suggest that Congolese nurses and laboratory technicians experience a high frequency of injury and BBF events at work, and remain at high risk for occupationally acquired infection. There is a need for periodic capacity-building training for the healthcare workforce to improve infection prevention in health settings, the provision of sufficient and appropriate PPE and SEDs, post-exposure follow-up and keeping records of occupational injuries in hospitals in Congolese healthcare settings. Full article

In recent years, organic dye contamination has posed a significant threat to water safety. This study presents a novel composite photocatalyst comprising graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C3N4QDs) supported on a copper-based metal–organic framework (Cu-MOF) for efficient visible-light degradation of organic pollutants. The g-C₃N₄QDs were synthesized via a facile strategy and subsequently immobilized onto the Cu-MOF support. Comprehensive characterization including SEM, TEM, XRD, BET, UV-Vis DRS, PL, and EIS confirmed the successful formation of a heterostructure, revealing that an optimized loading of g-C₃N₄QDs significantly enhanced light absorption, facilitated charge separation, and increased the specific surface area, with the optimal composite exhibiting 273 m²/g compared to 112 m²/g for the pristine Cu-MOF. Electrochemical analyses indicated a 2.38-fold enhancement in photocurrent density and a reduced interfacial charge transfer resistance, reflecting superior electron–hole pair separation. Crucially, the optimized g-C₃N₄QDs/Cu-MOF composite demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic performance, achieving 96.6% degradation of Congo red (100 mg/L) within 30 min under visible light irradiation, substantially outperforming the 77.6% degradation attained by the pristine Cu-MOF. This enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects of improved light harvesting, efficient interfacial charge transfer across the heterojunction, and an enlarged active surface area. The composite exhibits considerable potential as a high-performance and stable photocatalyst for purifying dye-contaminated wastewater. Full article

This study evaluates urban growth and access to drinking water in Bukavu from 1980 to 2024, combining diachronic Landsat image analysis, demographic and geospatial data, and household surveys. Bukavu’s population rose from 280,000 to over 2 million, with an annual growth rate of 4.57%, doubling every 16 years. The urbanized area expanded from 17 km² in 1984 to nearly 50 km² in 2024, with progressive densification in risk-prone zones such as steep slopes and wetlands. Theoretical access to drinking water is 61%, falling below 20% in informal neighborhoods. REGIDESO produces 25,000–30,000 m³/day, while the estimated demand is 70,000–72,000 m³/day, creating a deficit of over 30,000 m³/day. Households rely on public standpipes (45%), unimproved sources (33%), and the parallel market (44%), with average collection times of 45 min. High-density areas show elevated health risks, with 57% of water samples contaminated by Salmonella and 36% contaminated by E. coli. Land tenure insecurity affects 29.7% of households. Statistical analysis indicates strong correlations between distance and collection time (r = 0.963) and moderate correlations with disease occurrence (distance r = 0.582; time r = 0.411). These findings demonstrate that rapid urban sprawl, informal settlement, and weak institutional capacity significantly constrain water access, contributing to health risks and highlighting broader implications for African cities experiencing similar growth patterns. Full article

A remarkable new pholcid spider species is described from the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Smeringopina polychila sp. nov. The male is distinguished by a unique and previously undocumented structure, here termed the “parachila”, which has not been observed in any other spider to date. The description is complemented by high-quality illustrations, including detailed drawings, photographs, micro-CT scans, and 3D reconstructions of the genitalia and the newly discovered male structure. Remarkable intraspecific variations, both somatic and genitalic, in males are also highlighted and discussed. A phylogenetic analysis based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 16S ribosomal RNA and histone H3 gene fragments is presented to tentatively place the new species into an existing phylogenetic framework. The results of the molecular analyses confirm that the new species belongs to the subfamily Smeringopinae and is nested within the genus Smeringopina Kraus, 1957. Full article

Twenty natural products used in traditional medicine to treat dermatophytosis were evaluated for their efficacy against Trichophyton rubrum, the most frequent dermatophyte infecting humans. For this purpose, aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared from ash, honey, and plant organs as pure (100%) or diluted (75%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, and 1.56%) preparations. The extracts were then evaluated by incorporating them into a Sabouraud medium and seeding them with T. rubrum as a fungal culture. The results identify fourteen extracts as being able to completely inhibit T. rubrum growth through either fungistatic or fungicidal activity. The five extracts with the highest efficacy to inhibit T. rubrum growth were further analyzed for their potential to alter in vitro reconstructed human epidermis (RHE). An aqueous extract from Allium sativum produced no tissue alteration in RHE, unlike the extracts from Conyza sumatrensis, Rumex abyssinicus, or Pentas longiflora. The data suggest that preparations used in traditional medicine by rural population in South-Kivu (DR-Congo) might represent valid alternatives to fight dermatophytosis. However, they also illustrate that several preparations remain inefficient and that others may be detrimental to the epidermis. This work reveals that traditional preparations, although affordable and easily available, require an evaluation of their efficacy and safety. Full article

In this study, cerium-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), cerium terephthalate (CeTPA), were synthesized and incorporated into nanofibers via electrospinning using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The synthesized materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Tauc plot analysis. The electrospun CeTPA nanofibers exhibited superhydrophobic properties, with water contact angles exceeding 150°. The adsorption and catalytic performance of the nanofibers were assessed for dye removal using Congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB) as model organic pollutants. Adsorption studies demonstrated negligible dye uptake due to the hydrophobicity of the fibers, while catalytic degradation experiments in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) showed significant degradation of CR but limited effectiveness against MB, offering high selectivity toward anionic dyes. Structural and optical characterizations confirmed the stability and catalytic activity of CeTPA nanofibers, highlighting their potential for selective dye degradation in wastewater treatment applications. Full article

The periphery of Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is experiencing intense and increasing hunting pressure, driven by both local subsistence needs and growing urban demand for bushmeat. This situation poses a serious challenge to sustainable natural resource management and underscores the need to realign protected-area policies with the realities faced by surrounding communities. In the absence of comprehensive ecological monitoring, this study used hunters’ perceptions to assess the current availability of mammalian wildlife around the park. From October to December 2023, surveys were conducted using a snowball sampling method with 60 hunters from nine villages bordering the park. Results show that hunting is a male-dominated activity, mainly practiced by individuals aged 30–40 years, with firearms as the primary tools. It occurs both in the park’s buffer zones and, alarmingly, within its core protected area. This practice has contributed to the local disappearance of key species such as African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus), and to the marked decline of several Cephalophus species. These patterns of overexploitation reveal critical weaknesses in current conservation strategies and point to the urgent need for integrated, community-based resource management approaches. Strengthening law enforcement, improving ranger support, and enhancing participatory governance mechanisms are essential. Equally important is the promotion of sustainable alternative livelihoods—including livestock farming, aquaculture, and agroforestry—to reduce hunting dependence and build long-term resilience for both biodiversity and local communities. Full article

The city of Uvira, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is increasingly experiencing flood events with devastating impacts on human life, infrastructure, and livelihoods. This study evaluates flood susceptibility in Uvira using Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Making approach. It integrates eight factors contributing to flood occurrence: distance from water bodies, elevation, slope, rainfall intensity, drainage density, soil type, topographic wetness index, and land use/land cover. The results indicate that proximity to water bodies, drainage density and slope are the most influential factors driving flood susceptibility in Uvira. Approximately 87.3% of the city’s land area is classified as having high to very high flood susceptibility, with the most affected zones concentrated along major rivers and the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. The reliability of the AHP-derived weights is validated by a consistency ratio of 0.008, which falls below the acceptable threshold of 0.1. This research provides valuable insights to support urban planning and inform flood management strategies. Full article