Inequalities in Access to Optimal Doses of Iptp-Sp for Malaria among Pregnant Women during Antenatal Care Visits: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Contributing Factors in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Valentin BOPE, UCLouvain

Malaria remains a major public health issue, particularly for pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Each year, about 125 million pregnant women are at risk of infection, with a quarter residing in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease is endemic. Malaria during pregnancy poses significant risks such as maternal anemia, miscarriages, preterm births, and perinatal mortality. To mitigate these risks, the World Health Organization recommends administering at least three doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) during pregnancy. However, despite the proven benefits, coverage of the three recommended doses remains low in sub-Saharan Africa, even among women attending at least four prenatal visits, signaling inequalities in access to care. This study explores these inequalities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where only 13.4% of pregnant women receive the full three doses, despite 42.9% attending at least four prenatal visits. Based on the 2017-2018 MICS survey data from 3,282 women, the study found that media exposure and household wealth significantly influence IPTp-SP uptake. Women exposed to media were more likely to receive all doses, while married women were less likely to complete the regimen. To improve IPTp-SP coverage, interventions must focus on awareness, particularly via media, and address barriers preventing married women from accessing full treatment.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Population and Development

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