Prevalence of acute flaccid paralysis and environmental monitoring: poliovirus in Kinshasa, DRC

Poliomyelitis remains a public health problem despite progress in immunization, due to the persistence of vaccine-derived polioviruses, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, although the country is certified wild poliovirus-free, recurrent outbreaks are observed, particularly in Kinshasa, highlighted by acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance and environmental monitoring of wastewater. This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from January to September 2025 in Kinshasa, aimed to assess the prevalence of polioviruses in children aged 0 to 5 with AFP and in wastewater. A total of 186 samples were analyzed. The results highlight the persistence of poliovirus circulation in Kinshasa, and underscore the importance of strengthening immunization coverage, epidemiological surveillance and environmental monitoring to sustain polio eradication efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.