02460nas a2200337   4500000000100000008004100001260004400042653003300086653002700119653003900146653000900185653001500194100001800209700001200227700001600239700001500255700001900270700001300289700002100302700001400323700001600337700001500353700001400368700001600382245014500398856007300543300000800616490000600624520147800630022001402108       2025                            d  bSpringer Science and Business Media LLC10aDemocratic Republic of Congo10aEnvironment sanitation10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aWASH10asafe water1 aOjo-Akosile T1 aUwah EA1 aMufungizi I1 aAborode AT1 aNkundakozera M1 aRusho MA1 aBakare-Abidola T1 aIzinyon O1 aTochukwu AM1 aOnifade IA1 aNwosu KOS1 aAkilimali A00aWater, sanitation and hygiene and neglected tropical diseases in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a narrative review and policy perspective  uhttps://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44155-025-00306-1.pdf  a1-90 v53 a<p><strong>Background</strong></p>

<p>Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a significant public health challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) due to its direct connection with the scarcity of clean water, poor sanitation facilities, and insufficient hygiene practices. Therefore, investigating comprehensive strategies to decrease NTDs by addressing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) issues is pertinent.</p>

<p><strong>Aim</strong></p>

<p>This paper presents a narrative review of available literatures and policy briefs, and explains the aspect of WASH in NTD control with special reference to DR Congo. We review the country-specific barriers to the incorporation of WASH in NTD programs, such as conflict and governance issues, and limitations in infrastructure.</p>

<p><strong>Findings</strong></p>

<p>In our synthesis, although WASH interventions have been established to effectively mitigate schistosomiasis, trachoma and soil-transmitted helminths at the global level, they are complicated by factors including insecurity in the eastern provinces of the DRC, poor health governance and inadequately funded water infrastructure. We also determine community-based innovations, and policy integration opportunities.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>

<p>Emphasizing WASH strategies in combating NTDs can lead to better health outcomes, less disease impact, and greater quality of life for affected communities.</p>
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