Bukavu

Researchers are evaluating a targeted water, sanitation, and hygiene WASH intervention to reduce cholera and severe diarrhea among household members of diarrhea patients in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study includes formative research and a randomized controlled trial to assess how effective the intervention is at lowering diarrheal diseases and improving WASH behaviors within these households. It also investigates transmission dynamics of cholera and severe diarrhea using genomics and risk factor analysis. The study has two phases first, developing the WASH intervention through research and community engagement second, implementing and evaluating it in a randomized trial. In the trial, households are assigned to either the PICHA7 mHealth program or the standard message given in DRC health facilities. The PICHA7 program includes an in-person delivery of a pictorial WASH module by a health promoter, two home visits during the 7-day high-risk period, and a diarrhea prevention package with chlorine tablets, soapy water, a handwashing station, and a water vessel with lid and tap. Afterward, households receive weekly voice and text messages for 12 months promoting recommended WASH behaviors. Participants include diarrhea patients and their household members who will be followed for 12 months. Researchers will assess diarrhea occurrences among household members as the primary outcome. Secondary measures include child development, handwashing behaviors, water quality, presence of bacteria in stored water, psychosocial factors related to WASH, and growth measurements in children under 5 years. Data collection occurs at multiple time points up to 24 months. The study will monitor adherence to interventions and evaluate the impact on diarrheal disease transmission within households.

Researchers are evaluating a new method using SDS-EDTA-treated chromatography paper strips for collecting and transporting samples to detect mpox virus. This observational study compares this method to the standard swab-based sampling among patients with suspected mpox infection in healthcare facilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The aim is to assess the diagnostic accuracy and practical use of the strip method in field conditions. Participants will have paired samples taken simultaneously using both the standard swab method and the SDS-EDTA strip method from skin lesions suitable for sampling. The chromatography strip contains SDS, which inactivates the virus to reduce biosafety risks during transport, and EDTA, which stabilizes nucleic acids and lessens the need for cold storage. Samples collected are analyzed using local molecular diagnostic platforms. During the study, participants will be assessed based on their clinical signs and suitability of lesions for paired sampling. Researchers will measure the difference in mpox virus detection between the two sampling methods through laboratory analysis of samples collected up to six months after collection. Safety and consent procedures are in place, and total participation duration depends on sample collection and analysis timelines.