%0 Journal Article
%T Characteristics of Health Services Providing Care for Children in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in the City of Lubumbashi
%A Pierre-Boniface Tambwe Ndjakanyi
%A Paul Makan Mawaw
%A Hendrick Mbutshu Lukuke
%A Muhubiri Kabuyaya
%A Georges Lomami Osakanu
%A Simon Ilunga Kandolo
%A Manya Tsheko
%A Gilbert Malemba N&#8217
%A Sakila
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 13
%N 6
%P 1-18
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2026
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1115355
%X <b>Introduction</b><b>:</b> 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. <b>Methods</b><b>:</b> 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. <b>Results</b><b>:</b> 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. <b>Conclusion</b><b>:</b> 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.
%K Access to Healthcare
%K Treatment Pathway
%K Healthcare Services
%K Disadvantaged Neighborhoods
%K Children
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=151878