Analysis of socio-economic factors and vulnerability of fishermen and female fish traders to HIV/AIDS in fishing camps in the Kasenga-Luapula-Moero region, Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo: final report

This report present the matrix and foundation of the study conducted in Katanga, based on the assumption that communities of fishermen in the Kasenga û Luapula û Moero area are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS due to a mix of several socio-economic factors and the presence of female fish traders in the fishing areas (fishing camps). The present study targeted all the fishing areas extending from Kasenga city through Luapula River to Lake Moero The present study seeks to identify socio-economic factors which are the root causes of the vulnerability of fishermen and female fish traders to HIV/AIDS in the fishing camps. From this perspective, an appropriate intervention will be developed and applied to the Kasenga û Luapula û Moero region with a view to reducing vulnerability factors to HIV/AIDS. Finally, the research team will make recommendations on the implementation of a pilot project geared towards protecting female fish traders and improving their living conditions with regard to their health and business.Nutritive value, Socioeconomic aspects, Fisheries, Research, AIDS

Analyse des facteurs et la vulnΘrabilitΘ au VIH/SIDA des pΩcheurs et des femmes commerτantes de poissons dans les camps de pΩche dans la rΘgion de Kasenga-Luapula-Moero, Province du Katanga. RΘpublique DΘmocratique du Congo

Fisheries, AIDS, Public health, HIV, Nutritive value

Local perceptions of cholera and anticipated vaccine acceptance in Katanga province, Democratic Republic of Congo

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In regions where access to clean water and the provision of a sanitary infrastructure has not been sustainable, cholera continues to pose an important public health burden. Although oral cholera vaccines (OCV) are effective means to complement classical cholera control efforts, still relatively little is known about their acceptability in targeted communities. Clarification of vaccine acceptability prior to the introduction of a new vaccine provides important information for future policy and planning. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study in Katanga province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local perceptions of cholera and anticipated acceptance of an OCV were investigated. A random sample of 360 unaffected adults from a rural town and a remote fishing island was interviewed in 2010. In-depth interviews with a purposive sample of key informants and focus-group discussions provided contextual information. Socio-cultural determinants of anticipated OCV acceptance were assessed with logistic regression. RESULTS: Most respondents perceived contaminated water (63%) and food (61%) as main causes of cholera. Vaccines (28%), health education (18%) and the provision of clean water (15%) were considered the most effective measures of cholera control. Anticipated acceptance reached 97% if an OCV would be provided for free. Cholera-specific knowledge of hygiene and self-help in form of praying for healing were positively associated with anticipated OCV acceptance if costs of USD 5 were assumed. Conversely, respondents who feared negative social implications of cholera were less likely to anticipate acceptance of OCVs. These fears were especially prominent among respondents who generated their income through fishing. With an increase of assumed costs to USD 10.5, fear of financial constraints was negatively associated as well. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a high motivation to use an OCV as long as it seems affordable. The needs of socially marginalized groups such as fishermen may have to be explicitly addressed when preparing for a mass vaccination campaig