BACKGROUND:
Cholera remains a major public health challenge in the DR Congo, especially in overcrowded internally displaced persons camps with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. The disease disproportionately affects children under five, fuelled by poor hygiene practices, low income, and ongoing conflict. This research aims to examine how hygiene knowledge and practices influence cholera prevention among children under five living in internally displaced persons camps in eastern DR Congo.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2024 in five internally displaced persons camps in Goma, DR Congo, involving children under five and their caregivers living there for at least six months. Data on sociodemographic, water access, sanitation, and hygiene practices were collected through surveys. Statistical analyses identified factors linked to cholera prevention. Ethical approval and consent were obtained.

RESULTS:
Most participants were from Kanyaruchinya camp (28.4%), mainly mothers (50.6%) aged 20–29 years (46.4%) with primary education (50.3%). Sixty-six percent of households reported no hygiene or cholera prevention training. Preventive practices were irregular: 56% washed hands regularly, 17% avoided raw foods, 12% filtered water, and 11% boiled water. Statistical analysis found significant associations between training and factors such as caregiver relationship, age, education, child’s age, household size, and income source, but no links to camp location or child’s sex.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study reveals critical hygiene and cholera prevention gaps among displaced families in Goma camps. Two-thirds lacked training, highlighting urgent need for improved water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure and targeted health education.