Abstract

Spatial distribution, integration and determinants of family planning service provision in Lubumbashi, DRC: a cross-sectional analysis from a health facility census

Mosuse, M. A. Mpoyi, T. I. Libertini, L. Macharia, P. M. Nkola, A. M. Semaan, A. Mahuridi, A. Straneo, M. Kayembe, D. M. Lakula, N. Ouko, R. Kaj, F. M. Gadeyne, S. Mukengeshayi, A. N. Benova, L.
Reprod Health. 2026; 23

Permanent descriptor

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-026-02303-2

Family planning (FP) services are an essential part of reproductive health, helping women and couples decide if and when to have children. Yet despite their importance, little is known about where these services are offered and how they are integrated with other maternal and child health care (MCH) services in Lubumbashi, the second largest city of the DRC.We collected information from all 1,267 health facilities in the city in 2023. We wanted to know three things: where FP services are located, whether they are offered together with maternal and child health services, and what factors make a facility more or less likely to provide FP.We found that just over half of all facilities offered FP services, and most provided this alongside MCH care, meaning women could access multiple services at the same place. Mapping the facilities showed that FP services are clustered in the centre of the city, but nearly all women still live within one kilometre of a FP-providing facility. But access is not equal. Larger, public and private non-profit facilities, and those charging higher fees were more likely to provide FP. Smaller and less well-resources facilities were less likely to do so. This means that even if FP services are close, some women may still face barriers.While FP services in Lubumbashi are broadly available, health system and financial factors still limit equitable access. Policies to strengthen facilities and reduce cost barriers could help ensure that every woman can access FP services when she needs them. eng