Orapuh Journal

Identification by HPLC of Undeclared Active Ingredients in Aphrodisiac Teas and Coffees Sold in Kinshasa and Kisangani (DRC)

2025-11-04T18:39:06+02:00

Introduction

This study aims to identify the presence of undeclared active ingredients in aphrodisiac products sold as teas and coffees in Kinshasa and Kisangani (DRC). Sexual dysfunction is widespread, and many individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo rely on aphrodisiac teas and coffees. However, their unregulated nature raises concerns about adulteration with undeclared substances (sildenafil and tadalafil) and potentially harmful compounds (aristolochic acid), posing significant health risks.

Purpose

To detect, by HPLC, the presence of PDE‑5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) and toxic compounds (aristolochic acid) in aphrodisiac products marketed without regulation.

Methods

Nine samples, including seven from Kinshasa and two from Kisangani, were analysed by HPLC after sample‑preparation protocols adapted from validated studies.

Results

Sildenafil was detected in 9/9 products and tadalafil in 8/9; traces of aristolochic acid were identified in two products. Quantitative variation suggests deliberate adulteration.

Conclusion

These products contain undeclared and potentially harmful substances, posing a significant health risk such as cardiovascular complications, drug interactions, and possible carcinogenic effects, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulation.

Prevalence and determinants of severe acute malnutrition among children under five in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2025-11-04T18:39:05+02:00

Introduction

Malnutrition remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five in Kisangani, with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) posing serious threats to survival and development. Ongoing ethnic conflicts in some municipalities exacerbate these risks.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children under five in Kisangani and identify key risk factors to inform targeted interventions.

Methods

A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted from May to July 2025 among 913 children under five years of age. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires on KoboCollect and analysed with ENA and SPSS version 27. Qualitative insights from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were coded and analysed with Atlas.ti to explore feeding practices and conflict-related vulnerabilities.

Results

The prevalence of SAM was 15.1%. Exclusive breastfeeding was low (7%), and only 5% of children consumed more than five food groups per day. Multivariate analysis identified significant determinants of SAM: children residing in Makiso-Kisangani (OR = 2.53; 95% CI [1.55, 3.49]; p = .004) and Lubunga (OR = 1.89; 95% CI [1.11, 3.21]; p = .019) had higher odds of SAM. Children aged 12–23 months were at increased risk (OR = 1.61; 95% CI [1.01, 2.57]; p = .044), refugees in foster care had elevated risk compared to indigenous children (OR = 2.32; 95% CI [1.55, 3.49]; p < .001), and those living in households with more than 11 members were more likely to be affected (OR = 1.92; 95% CI [1.11, 3.32]; p = .020).

Conclusion

Children in Kisangani remain highly vulnerable to malnutrition, largely due to inadequate infant feeding practices and conflict-driven household vulnerabilities. Immediate interventions to improve feeding practices and integrate conflict-sensitive measures are urgently needed to reduce malnutrition-related morbidity and mortality.

Impact of self-financing on the overall funding of public hospitals in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Challenges and prospects

2025-11-04T18:39:04+02:00

Introduction

Financing public hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in Kisangani (Tshopo Province), remains a major challenge for the provision of quality health services. Although several funding sources exist, the specific contribution of self-financing to hospital budgets has not been well documented, leaving its role in financial sustainability unclear.

Purpose

This study evaluated the role of self-financing in the overall funding of the General Reference Hospitals of Makiso, Lubunga, and Tshopo between 2020 and 2022.

Methods

A quantitative research design was adopted, using an inductive and accounting approach. Nine annual financial reports (three per hospital) for the period 2020–2022 were analysed. The general trend analysis technique and Pearson’s linear correlation were used to determine the relationship between self-financing and total hospital funding.

Results

On average, self-financing accounted for 62.6% of total hospital funding. A strong positive correlation was found between self-financing and total funding (r = 0.95), indicating that self-financing significantly influenced the financial performance of the hospitals during the study period.

Conclusion

Although self-financing contributes substantially to hospital budgets, it does not guarantee financial autonomy, as public hospitals remain heavily dependent on households. This dependence places a financial burden on families and encourages overbilling. To address this, it is recommended that the government and its technical and financial partners diversify and strengthen funding mechanisms to reduce reliance on households and ensure more affordable and equitable hospital services in Kisangani. This study is one of the first empirical assessments of self-financing in Congolese public hospitals, quantifying its share in overall financing and outlining its implications for the sustainability of the health system.