Characteristics of Health Services Providing Care for Children in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in the City of Lubumbashi

Introduction: Access to healthcare services remains a major challenge in developing countries, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods where social inequalities translate into disparities in the use of healthcare services. In Lubumbashi, numerous barriers limit children in disadvantaged neighborhoods’ access to healthcare: precarious socioeconomic conditions, lack of or distance from healthcare services, and geographical disparities, leading to the use of informal alternatives (traditional medicine, self-medication). This study aimed to identify healthcare facilities in disadvantaged neighborhoods of Lubumbashi that are accessible to parents of children. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in healthcare facilities in disadvantaged neighborhoods of Lubumbashi. The sample of 145 healthcare facilities was selected using a three-stage probability sampling method: health zones within disadvantaged neighborhoods, health areas, and individual healthcare facilities. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire administered via Kobo Collect v2025.3.3 software to healthcare professionals (physicians and nurses) and administrators of the healthcare facilities, followed by a personal observation grid. Results: It has been revealed that 92.41% of healthcare facilities in disadvantaged neighborhoods of Lubumbashi are private, and 15.86% to 20% have no operating license. These facilities have limited technical resources and lack diagnostic equipment (46.32% lack microscopes), with poor coverage of child health services and a shortage of qualified personnel (32.41% lack vaccination services, and 93.31% lack pediatric specialists). Healthcare costs are 93.79% covered by households, 95.17% of facilities use a fee-for-service model, and 62.76% lack quality infrastructure. Conclusion: The health facilities in disadvantaged neighborhoods of Lubumbashi are mostly private and face numerous challenges, including inadequate equipment, a shortage of qualified staff, and insufficient infrastructure. These findings underscore the need to implement actions and a conceptual model aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for children in these neighborhoods.