Association assessment of ownership of llin and malaria prevention in fragile health zone of Karisimbi of Goma in North KIVU, DRC

Introduction: Malaria is and remains a serious health concern in Africa. In DRC, where malaria is endemic and a major public health problem. The important control measure put in place was the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). This study consists of identifying the level of appropriation and determining the relationship between the appropriation of LLINs and malaria morbidity in households with children under 5 years of age in the fragile Karisimbi health zone in Goma in Nord Kivu/ RDC. Methodology: A cross-sectional community survey study involving 418 households was conducted in 19 health areas in the Karisimbi Health Zone. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LLIN ownership and as well as demographic characteristics, economic status and socio-cultural conditions in the households. Results: Findings showed that 53.4% of the households own LLINs while 46.7% do not. Findings showed that in the 53.7% of households owning LLINs, 27.8% of households own at least one LLIN and 37.7% of households own two LLINs each, and in 26.5% of households there are three LLINs and 8.1% of households own four or more LLINs. Regarding the source of nets owned, 78.9% of households got their nets from free net distribution, 16.1% of households got their nets from antenatal clinics, and 4.5% of households got their nets from Shop/Market. 0.5% of households got their nets from other sources. The following reasons were given for not owning an LLIN: 43.6% of households said that they were not at home during the mass distribution campaign, 19.5% of households had not received any information about the distribution campaign, 19.0% of households had not received a pre-campaign visit from a mobiliser, 14.9% had not received a post-campaign visit from a mobiliser, and 3.1% of households felt that this was because of the high cost of the LLIN. Conclusion: LLIN ownership is weak and cannot guarantee the correct use of LLINs for effective malaria prevention in the health zone, as intended. Reminder campaigns for LLIN distribution and evaluation research are essential for effective malaria prevention and control.