Evaluation of access to water in healthcare facilities in the city of Kisangani, The Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Access to safe drinking water is a key determinant of quality of care and patient safety. In low-income countries, many healthcare facilities operate without an adequate water supply. This study aims to assess access to water in healthcare facilities in the city of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 93 healthcare facilities (88 health centers and 5 general referral hospitals) distributed across five health zones. The variables analyzed were the water source, distance from the source, and collection time. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test with a significance level set at 5%.

Results: Wells and protected springs were the main source of water (54.6%), followed by the REGIDESO public water network (28.9%). However, 16.5% of health facilities used unimproved water sources. A statistically significant association was observed between the health zone and the water source (χ² = 18.74; p = 0.041). This attests to the significant difference.

Conclusion: Despite the presence of protected water sources in a significant proportion of facilities, persistent shortcomings in access to safe drinking water expose patients and staff to health risks. Targeted interventions are needed to sustainably improve the quality of care.