Malaria Risk Mapping in Peri-Urban Kinshasa: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study in the Selembao Health Zone Using a Multi-Criteria and GIS-Based Approach

Abstract

Context and objective. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), malaria remains a public health priority, particularly in peri-urban areas. Selembao, in the Province of Kinshasa, has recorded the highest incidence rate in the province over the past five years. The present study aimed to map malaria risk areas in Selembao using a weighted multi-criteria assessment via Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrated with geographic information system (GIS). Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 326 households with at least one confirmed case in 2023. Environmental, socioeconomic, and vulnerability factors were weighted using AHP and then combined in a weighted overlay model using GIS. Results. The results show that 25.5% of the study area is exposed to high to very high risk, mainly around rivers and in densely populated areas where waste management is poor. More than half of the area (56.2%) presents a moderate risk. Conclusion. The AHP/GIS approach allows for the precise identification of priority areas for targeted mosquito net distribution, sanitation interventions, and larval control, thus optimizing resource allocation.

Received: July 10^th, 2025

Accepted: October 5^th, 2025

https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v19i1.11