Management of Low-Birth-Weight Newborns Born to HIV-Positive Mothers in Dungu and Doruma Health Zones, DRC (2020–2025)
1
Pédiatrie, Institut Supérieur de Techniques de Développement de Dungu, Kinshasa, République démocratique du Congo
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Low birth weight (LBW, <2,500 g) remains a major determinant of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly among HIV-exposed infants. In the DRC, gaps in maternal ART coverage, neonatal prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis (EID) compromise PMTCT efforts and neonatal survival.
OBJECTIVES:
This study describes care modalities, clinical outcomes, and systemic barriers for LBW infants born to HIV-positive mothers in Dungu and Doruma health zones (2020–2025).
METHODS:
A retrospective descriptive study included all newborns ≤2,500 g born to HIV-positive mothers. Data collected included maternal ART uptake, neonatal ARV prophylaxis, infant feeding practices, PCR testing, and neonatal mortality. Analyses were performed using SPSS/Stata with descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-tests.
RESULTS:
Among 384 LBW neonates, 85.5% died within 28 days. Only 27.1% of mothers received ART during pregnancy, 21.1% of neonates received ARV prophylaxis within 72 hours, and 19% underwent PCR testing before two months; 15.9% were confirmed HIV-positive. Mean birth weight was 1,940 ± 210 g. Mortality was 1.8 times higher in infants without prophylaxis. These findings indicate a collapse in the neonatal care continuum, with critical gaps in preventive treatment and early diagnosis.
DISCUSSION:
Mortality rates in Dungu and Doruma exceed national averages and align with trends in sub-Saharan Africa where incomplete PMTCT coverage contributes to adverse outcomes. Maternal ART non-adherence, poor nutrition, and weak health system infrastructure exacerbate neonatal vulnerability. Conclusions/
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Integrated strategies are urgently needed, including universal maternal HIV testing, consistent ART, early neonatal ARV prophylaxis, EID via PCR, nutritional support, and strengthened referral systems. Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, USAID, and the Global Fund are essential to scale up neonatal HIV care, build health worker capacity, improve data systems, and engage communities to reduce mortality and pediatric HIV infections by 2030.
Low birth weight (LBW, <2,500 g) remains a major determinant of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly among HIV-exposed infants. In the DRC, gaps in maternal ART coverage, neonatal prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis (EID) compromise PMTCT efforts and neonatal survival.
OBJECTIVES:
This study describes care modalities, clinical outcomes, and systemic barriers for LBW infants born to HIV-positive mothers in Dungu and Doruma health zones (2020–2025).
METHODS:
A retrospective descriptive study included all newborns ≤2,500 g born to HIV-positive mothers. Data collected included maternal ART uptake, neonatal ARV prophylaxis, infant feeding practices, PCR testing, and neonatal mortality. Analyses were performed using SPSS/Stata with descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-tests.
RESULTS:
Among 384 LBW neonates, 85.5% died within 28 days. Only 27.1% of mothers received ART during pregnancy, 21.1% of neonates received ARV prophylaxis within 72 hours, and 19% underwent PCR testing before two months; 15.9% were confirmed HIV-positive. Mean birth weight was 1,940 ± 210 g. Mortality was 1.8 times higher in infants without prophylaxis. These findings indicate a collapse in the neonatal care continuum, with critical gaps in preventive treatment and early diagnosis.
DISCUSSION:
Mortality rates in Dungu and Doruma exceed national averages and align with trends in sub-Saharan Africa where incomplete PMTCT coverage contributes to adverse outcomes. Maternal ART non-adherence, poor nutrition, and weak health system infrastructure exacerbate neonatal vulnerability. Conclusions/
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Integrated strategies are urgently needed, including universal maternal HIV testing, consistent ART, early neonatal ARV prophylaxis, EID via PCR, nutritional support, and strengthened referral systems. Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, USAID, and the Global Fund are essential to scale up neonatal HIV care, build health worker capacity, improve data systems, and engage communities to reduce mortality and pediatric HIV infections by 2030.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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